Leeds confirm exits of Konrad Hurrell and King Vuniyayawa

Leeds have confirmed that Konrad Hurrell and King Vuniyayawa will leave the club at the end of the season after turning down new contract offers.

Centre Hurrell, 30, and prop Vuniyayawa, 26, have both been linked with moves to St Helens and Salford respectively.

Tonga international Hurrell has scored 23 tries in 52 appearances since joining Leeds in 2019 while Fiji international Vuniyayawa has played 16 games since arriving ahead of this season.

Leeds coach Richard Agar said: “It is disappointing to see Konrad and King leave the club but that is the nature of a salary cap sport. They have been integral members of our squad this season and, in Konrad’s case, for a number of years.

“Konrad has been a fantastic player for Leeds Rhinos for a number of years. He has been a great team-mate and personality and I know he has a wonderful rapport with our fans because of the passion he always brings to the Leeds Rhinos shirt.

“When King joined us we took a chance on him but he took a chance on us too. It is a credit to him and his work this year that he has now received multiple offers for his future. We fully understand he is looking after his longer future and, whilst we are sad to see him go, I am pleased for him.

“They will both have a big part to play this season within our group and will leave with our best wishes and thanks at the end of the campaign.”

Hurrell has won 11 caps for Tonga on the international stage and could link up with his national coach Kristian Woolf at St Helens, whilst Vuniyayawa has represented Fiji three times.

Meanwhile, Leeds have announced that goal-kicking forward Rhyse Martin has agreed a contract extension for the 2022 season. He has made 45 appearances for the Rhinos since arriving at Headingley midway through the 2019 campaign.