Leeds boss confirms another exit with new deal rejected

Leeds head coach Rohan Smith has confirmed that Liam Tindall will exit the club at the end of the current campaign after rejecting a new deal. 

Tindall’s current contract expires at the end of the year, with Smith confirming that the youngster has rejected an extended offer.

The 21-year-old winger becomes the second player in recent weeks to have been confirmed for an exit from Headingley Stadium.

Sam Walters rejected a ‘massive upgrade’ to remain with the Rhinos beyond 2023, with the English forward linked with a move to Wigan.

Tindall made his Super League debut in 2020 against Catalans, and has gone on to make 21 appearances in the competition, scoring twice.

In the current campaign, he has made seven appearances, as well as featuring for Bradford in the Championship on dual-registration.

Australian coach Smith, 42, previously confirmed to Love Rugby League that he was keen to retain both Tindall and Walters, but the pair look likely to be joining rival Super League clubs for 2024 and beyond.

Leeds boss confirms Liam Tindall exit

Smith said on Tindall: “I’m not quite sure why or how things intend to be announced, but we made an offer that hasn’t been accepted and I believe another one has.

“That’s where it’s at.”

Speaking on potential replacements for 2024, Smith continued: “In our outside-back ranks in the age groups below and in our reserves, we have some players of similar age to Liam, so I’m hopeful that they’ll progress through the back end of this year and be able to step up and take some responsibility there for that gap.”

Blake Austin, James Bentley, James Donaldson, David Fusitu’a, Aidan Sezer and Zane Tetevano are also believed to be without a deal beyond the current season, while Smith confirmed that rising star Jack Sinfield has secured his future with the club.

Smith confirmed that Widnes-born Walters rejected a deal earlier last week, having made 25 Super League appearances for the Rhinos to date.

“We made Sam a really strong offer – a long-term offer – and a massive upgrade on his previous contract,” Smith previously said.

“And that’s where the conversations sort of came to an end. I’m not sure where he’s going to end up.”

READ NEXT: Leeds boss addresses speculation over Sam Lisone’s future