LEE SMITH is quitting defending champions Leeds at the end of the season with Wasps his likely destination on a four-year contract.
Smith’s desire for a cross-code switch was first revealed in the Daily
Express in the week before the Rhinos’ World Club Challenge against
Manly on March 1. Wasps are looking to fill the gap left by the
retirement of Josh Lewsey and Smith, who can also slot in on the wing,
is the ideal recruit.
Saracens were also interested inEngland star Smith, 22, who was man of
the match in the Rhinos’ Grand Final triumph over St Helens last
October. Smith told Leeds he would not be renewing his contract when it
expires in November and said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the
Rhinos and still do. I feel privileged to play for my home-town club.
“However, by the end of this season, I will have completed seven
seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a
new challenge.”
Unlike Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, who were allowed by
Bradford to make their code switch in May to get in a full off-season
with Gloucester and Bath respectively, Smith will see out the remainder
of his contract as Leeds look for a replacement. Wakefield’s England
centre Ryan Atkins could be a target but the Wildcats would demand a
hefty fee for his release.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: “It is Lee’s choice, of course, and I
know he will give his best for the rest of the season. His leaving will
create an opportunity for someone else next year.” Rhinos chief
executive Gary Hetherington added: “It is always disappointing when a
player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has gone through
our ranks and gone on to win international honours.
“We have a strong nucleus of players in our squad, who are committed
not only to the club but to one another, but we live in the age of
freedom of contract and it’s inevitable some will choose to play
elsewhere at some point.”
Harlequins will look to complete a double over Leeds tonight. They won
five of their past six games to climb to fourth, two points behind the
Rhinos – a run which began with a 21-4 victory at Headingley. They also
beat Leeds 28-24 at the Stoop last June. McClennan said: “They will be
full of confidence after their big win at Hull KR and have a right to
be confident as well on the back of some of their performances this
year.”
Warrington will help make history today when they take part in the first Super League match to be held in Spain.
Smith’s desire for a cross-code switch was first revealed in the Daily
Express in the week before the Rhinos’ World Club Challenge against
Manly on March 1. Wasps are looking to fill the gap left by the
retirement of Josh Lewsey and Smith, who can also slot in on the wing,
is the ideal recruit.
Saracens were also interested inEngland star Smith, 22, who was man of
the match in the Rhinos’ Grand Final triumph over St Helens last
October. Smith told Leeds he would not be renewing his contract when it
expires in November and said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the
Rhinos and still do. I feel privileged to play for my home-town club.
“However, by the end of this season, I will have completed seven
seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a
new challenge.”
Unlike Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, who were allowed by
Bradford to make their code switch in May to get in a full off-season
with Gloucester and Bath respectively, Smith will see out the remainder
of his contract as Leeds look for a replacement. Wakefield’s England
centre Ryan Atkins could be a target but the Wildcats would demand a
hefty fee for his release.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: “It is Lee’s choice, of course, and I
know he will give his best for the rest of the season. His leaving will
create an opportunity for someone else next year.” Rhinos chief
executive Gary Hetherington added: “It is always disappointing when a
player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has gone through
our ranks and gone on to win international honours.
Smith’s desire for a cross-code switch was first revealed in the Daily
Express in the week before the Rhinos’ World Club Challenge against
Manly on March 1. Wasps are looking to fill the gap left by the
retirement of Josh Lewsey and Smith, who can also slot in on the wing,
is the ideal recruit.
Saracens were also interested inEngland star Smith, 22, who was man of
the match in the Rhinos’ Grand Final triumph over St Helens last
October. Smith told Leeds he would not be renewing his contract when it
expires in November and said: “I have really enjoyed my time at the
Rhinos and still do. I feel privileged to play for my home-town club.
“However, by the end of this season, I will have completed seven
seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a
new challenge.”
Unlike Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, who were allowed by
Bradford to make their code switch in May to get in a full off-season
with Gloucester and Bath respectively, Smith will see out the remainder
of his contract as Leeds look for a replacement. Wakefield’s England
centre Ryan Atkins could be a target but the Wildcats would demand a
hefty fee for his release.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: “It is Lee’s choice, of course, and I
know he will give his best for the rest of the season. His leaving will
create an opportunity for someone else next year.” Rhinos chief
executive Gary Hetherington added: “It is always disappointing when a
player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has gone through
our ranks and gone on to win international honours.
Catalans Dragons have taken the game to Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium,
where they are hoping for a crowd approaching 20,000. The Wolves were
chosen to share the historic event because they have statistically been
the best supported away team in Perpignan and they expect to take 1,500
fans to Barcelona.
Celtic Crusaders aim to build on their first home victory when they take on Hull KR at the Brewery Field today.
