Transfer news: Player now almost certain to leave Leeds Rhinos

The return of Ryan Hall, a member of the Golden Generation, to Leeds Rhinos gives fans something to cheer after a difficult few weeks. Hall left Leeds in 2018, after a 12-year spell which saw him win six Grand Finals, the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge. At Leeds, he scored 233 tries in 330 appearances.

He returns to the Rhinos with the club seemingly stuck in a perennial transition. Gary Hetherington and Rohan Smith desperate for Hall to lift Leeds, in the way he lifted Hull KR. Hall played a key role in lifting the Robins from also-rans to genuine contenders for silverware.

The end for Fusitu’a at Leeds Rhinos

Hall’s return is a PR coup for a club which is currently struggling to win over its fans. Leeds supporters were unhappy with the performance against Huddersfield, following a run of defeats. Leeds’ back-line, in particular, has been a problem for several years.

The move seems almost certain to end David Fusitu’a’s spell at Leeds. Tongan international, Fusitu’a, has suffered from a succession of injuries since his high-profile switch. He has never lived up to the expectations of a major signing from the NRL. He is out of contract at the end of the season and seems set to leave.

His performance against Huddersfield summed up his spell at Leeds. He started the game well, with a strong carry and scored a try as Leeds took the lead. But he left the field with an injury to his knee, which was already heavily strapped and never returned.

Luis Roberts has covered on the wing for most of this season, in the absence of Fusitu’a. But Roberts is still developing and looks a more natural fit in the centres. The Rhinos were also happy to let back-up winger Derrell Olpherts leave to join Wakefield earlier in the season. Olpherts failed to impress in his time at the club.

Big impact needed off the field

Ryan Hall will have to play an important role off the field. Leeds have lacked leadership at times, and Hall brings a winning mentality back to the dressing room.

Leeds have won just one trophy since Hall left. They are desperate to end their trophy drought and Hall is a serial winner. His transfer is made with one eye on the future.

Hall will move into an off-the-field position at Leeds when his career does end. Is he a future Leeds head coach? Only time will tell.

Hall is someone who understands what it takes to win with Leeds and adds power and experience to a struggling side. Rohan Smith and Gary Hetherington need this move to work. They believe it will help lead the Rhinos back into contention for major titles.