Rohan Smith keen to retain duo as Leeds boss discusses recruitment plans

Leeds boss Rohan Smith says that he is keen to retain young duo Liam Tindall and Sam Walters beyond their current contracts.

The pair are both without deals for 2024, but coach Smith remains hopeful that he can keep the duo for the 2024 Super League season.

Tindall, 21, has made 19 Super League appearances to date, including five in the current campaign. He has also found game time in the Championship with Bradford on dual-registration in 2023, including wins over Sheffield and Toulouse.

Back-rower Walters, 22, has made just three appearances for Leeds’ first team so far this year against St Helens, Wakefield and Catalans.

Jack Sinfield was also believed to be running towards the end of his current contract. However, Smith has confirmed that the talented prospect will remain with the Rhinos beyond 2023. 

Smith on Jack Sinfield, Liam Tindall and Sam Walters

“Jack is under contract for next year,” Smith confirmed.

“Sam and Liam are players who we would like to keep and we’re working through that process to keep them. 

“They are players who we feel can develop within our group.

“There’s a core of English players in our club that are growing and developing and more to come. Those guys, hopefully, will be part of that process moving forward.

“Sam has played some games this year and has done a good job for us.

“Liam has come on and had an impact and done a really good job and has moved his way up the pecking order a little bit in the last sort of while.

“They’re developing even though they’re not playing every week.

“They’re in a club that they love and we hope that they will stay, and I’m sure they’ll be doing everything that they can to stay as well.”

Leeds boss provides recruitment latest

Retention remains a key point for Smith, with the transfer window of May 1 now open and clubs allowed to negotiate with off-contract players, although he admits that not all decisions lie in the club’s hands.

“Firstly, we’re working through some retention,” Smith explained.

“I’m a big believer that you don’t always have to be looking outside. We’ve got a lot of young players who are developing this year and we’ve got more just behind them as well.

“Some of our recruitment has already been done.

“We’ll be looking for players who can add a point of difference to what we’ve currently got. And some of the players we’ve got who are off-contract have options to explore as well. It’s not all in our hands.”

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