Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC have all confirmed major signings for this year but there is another side to recruitment and that is of course departures.
It has long been known that Hull FC starlet Connor Wynne would be leaving Hull FC after an injury ridden year which has seen him spend most of his time playing for Bradford Bulls on loan.
Now though, speaking to Telegraph and Argus, he revealed that he nearly quit the sport entirely:
“It’s been very tough, and I’ve had moments with my partner this year where I’ve told her I don’t want to play any more.
“There have been times I’ve not wanted to go training or play matches, but she said I’d get through it.
“I’ve stuck at it and will continue to do so, as good times often come from the bad, and hopefully I’ll soon get back to the best version of myself.”
Recently, Tony Smith said of Wynne on BBC Radio Humberside:
“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 underlined that he is pleased for Connor: “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.”