What kind of fee could Leeds Rhinos demand for Kruise Leeming

There has been a real shock story this week.

Rugby League Live have reported that Leeds Rhinos are willing to allow former captain and Challenge Cup winner Kruise Leeming to leave the club.

Leeming has worn the number nine shirt at Leeds since 2020 and has made 65 appearances for the Rhinos during a time in which he forced his way into the England setup having been named in the 2021 Super League Dream Team.

An injury last year saw him miss out on the World Cup with Jarrod O’Connor replacing him as the club’s starting nine which was a trend that went all the way to the Grand Final and has been assumed again recently.

This is perhaps why Leeming is interested in an exit to ensure more game time.

Leeming has again been left out of the side tonight after recovering from a foot injury sustained against St Helens.

Then Brian Carney has revealed that Leeming could be headed to a shock destination.

He said that he could be headed to the NRL.

Carney said on Sky Sports: “It may be the NRL he is headed to.”

He would later add: “There’s rumours circulating that it could be to the NRL and as specific as the North Queensland Cowboys.”

Now though Leeds Chief Executive Gary Hetherington has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that it “has not yet been determined” whether Leeds will request a fee for Leeming’s services.

Recently, a fee of $250,000 or £140,000 was paid for John Bateman who like Leeming had time left on his contract.

Thus, it seems Leeds could also request a six-figure fee for the hooker of at least £100,000 but perhaps up to £150,000.

You can see what else Hetherington said about the Leeming situation here.