Even though its the worst kept secret ever im still gutted

Good luck Smithy lad

Have to wish him the best of luck, he's a top player and seems a decent lad aswel.

The question for the Rhinos now is where do they go? Surely they need to get the chequebook out this time.

All he's done is not been able to agree to a new contract within the deadline he had set himself and the club to do so.

Wouldn't say that makes him certain to be doing anything in particular, and wouldn't be that suprised to still see him re-sign.

Told you all a long time ago about him leaving so was really expected from my point of view

Paves the way for Ryan Atkins, Michael Shenton or Jamie Lyon

Told you.

His leaving frees up space for someone else... but we have to open the bank now and get someone in imo.. Ryan Atkins, Michael Shenton or Jamie Lyon.

In true Hetherington style does anyone think there will be any announcement on a 'replacement' to put a positive spin on it soon? Or was the Coady announcement it?

Pity. He's a great talent, but at the end of the day he's won Grand Finals at enior and (I think?) Academy level in his time here, and been MOTM in one of the senior finals. He's represented his country in a World Cup. We show no signs of offering the chance of a winners medal at that level, so he's done about all that is on offer to him. I would have liked him to stay, but he goes with my best wishes*. I hope it works out for him.



* That'll make all the difference to him, he can sleep easy now.

Lee Smith at Leeds

SL Reg Rds: Played 66 + 5, Tries 32, Goals 10, Points 148
SL Play Offs: Played 6 + 0, Tries 5, Goals 0, Points 20
Challenge Cup: Played 9 + 0, Tries 5, Goals 0, Points 20
WCC: Played 2 + 0, Tries 0, Goals 0, Points 0

Total: Played 83 + 5, Tries 42, Goals 10, Points 188

Quality press release by Leeds:

“I have, and still do, really enjoyed my time at the Rhinos..."

"However, by the end of the this season...."

He says he want a new challenge and hes only 22, it's been said Wasps are going to sign him I hope he doesn't turn out like Chris Ashton and fade away in rugby union.

Funny how these players who go to Union don't seem to want the "challenge" of winning ANYTHING with GB/England at RL. Maybe it's too difficult a challenge.

Good luck to him though, good player and hope we see him back in RL one day. Unlike Chris Ashton, who came across as a bit of a tool.

Exactaly.

Chris Ashton was a fool, Smith has shown respect to the club who gave him the opportunity and hasn't gone of to the clubs hes signing for wearing their kit in the middle of the season.

Yet!

As has been widely speculated on, Wasps appear to want him for their pre-season training, so there's still time.