Some exits are more controversial than others such as Zak Hardaker’s departures from both Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos last year, Paul Cooke’s move from Hull FC to Hull KR and Micky Higham’s bizarre move from St Helens to Wigan Warriors via Bradford Bulls.
One noteworthy exit this year because of the circumstances around it is that of Connor Wynne simply because of the brutal honesty around it.
Having finally returned from injury in his loan spell at Bradford Bulls, Wynne revealed that he was not wanted at Hull FC when speaking on West Yorkshire Radio.
Now Tony Smith has echoed this honest saying that Wynne hadn’t earned an opportunity at the club:
“I think Connor’s looking for opportunity and he wasn’t getting one here and he probably didn’t earn one here and I’m glad that he’s back playing and I’m glad that he’s got himself in shape and in the right sort of condition to play,” he said on BBC Radio Humberside.
“That was a big part of the criteria of being a rugby league player, getting yourself and keeping yourself in shape. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do that during his time since I’ve been here.”
Smith did underline that he is pleased for Wynne that he has found himself again at Bradford:
“I’m pleased that he’s found a way to do that and he’s found the self-discipline to do that. I certainly wish him well and I’ll keep an eye on him for the remainder of his career, but he wasn’t able to do that during his time here.
“It probably took him a change and a move for that to happen. For that reason, I think it’s the right thing and the right thing for him.
“He probably needed that to get out of his comfort zone and get out of an area, and a place that he probably got a bit comfortable in, to the point where he wasn’t in any sort of shape to be able to perform, even to get his injuries right because of the shape he was in.
“So I’m glad he’s now addressing that and I’m glad he’s on top of his injuries and getting his fitness back.”
