French forward Mickael Goudemand will be a man in demand after being released from Leeds Rhinos.
Goudemand had only signed with the Rhinos ahead of the 2024 season but he departs Leeds one year into his two-year deal with the club granting him an early release last week.
A statement confirmed that the 28-year-old had been allowed to leave and “pursue other playing opportunities next season” which would indicate that a deal could already be lined up for him.
It’s a somewhat strange release given that Goudemand had plenty of opportunity with Leeds Rhinos as he made 18 appearances in his sole season at Headingley, during which he scored one try.
The statement also confirmed that Goudemand had returned to France to be with his partner ahead of the birth of their first child and a return to Catalans Dragons would certainly be an option for the prop forward.
We’ve looked at three other teams who should be targeting the former Leeds Rhinos man.
Three teams who could sign released Leeds Rhinos forward
Credit: Rémi Vignaud/Catalans Dragons/SWpix.com
Castleford Tigers
A move to Wheldon Road would make sense for both parties with Castleford Tigers in desperate need of strength and depth at prop, whilst Goudemand would certainly get a larger playing role there. Nearing the end of the season the Tigers were left with loose forward Joe Westerman playing at prop and it seems that 35-year-old Liam Watts will be a starter for 2025. Bringing in a younger proven player will be on Craig Lingard’s wish list.
Hull FC
Hull FC have been signing players like it’s going out of fashion and there has been somewhat of a scatter gun approach to that recruitment but a solid international prop such as Goudemand would be a canny signing. Pairing him up with the impressive Herman Ese’ese and depth options such as Ligi Sao, Yusuf Aydin and Jack Ashworth would help achieve the club’s stated goal from last season of bulking up their pack.
Leigh Leopards
Whilst Castleford and Hull would represent moves to teams that are not likely to be challenging for silverware, joining the project at Leigh could be far more tempting. The Leopards could well win silverware this year but as they rebuild in 2025 after the exit of forwards Tom Amone, John Asiata and Kai O’Donnell, they’ll certainly need someone such as Goudemand.
