Leeds confirm Joel Moon exit

Leeds have confirmed Joel Moon will return to Australia when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has been at the Rhinos since 2013 and has gone on to make 164 appearances for the club, scoring 76 tries.

Moon has won two Challenge Cup Finals, a League Leaders’ Shield and two Super League Grand Finals in his time at Leeds.

On his decision to leave the Rhinos, Moon said: “First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to everyone at the Rhinos for the support they have given me during six wonderful seasons at the club.

“The time is right now for me and my young family to head home to Australia but I will leave at the end of the season with so many incredible memories.

“It has been a privilege to pull on the Leeds Rhinos jersey every week and my focus now is on making sure we finish the season as strongly as possible before I head home.

“I will remain a supporter of the Rhinos and the club will always have a special place in my heart. I am looking forward to coming back in the years ahead and to cheer the boys on from the stands.”

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield has spoken highly of the former Indigenous All Stars and Exiles representative.

Sinfield said: “Joel has been an outstanding servant for the Rhinos and one of the most exciting players for supporters and team mates alike.

“We fully understand the decision he has made for his young family and he will leave Emerald Headingley with our best wishes at the end of the season. He will always remain a Rhino.”