The first pictures of former Leeds Rhinos captain Kruise Leeming have emerged after Gold Coast Titans snapped their new hooker in his fresh jersey.
The 27-year-old recently linked up with the Titans deal until the end of the season, acting as cover for injured ex-Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills. Gold Coast are coached by former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook.
If selected this weekend, Leeming will make his NRL debut at home against St. George Illawarra Dragons. The Titans currently sit ninth on the ladder, winning two and losing two in their opening matches.
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Leeming posted a farewell message to Rhinos supporters on his social media pages on Sunday, with plenty of kind words to say about specific influences along his Leeds journey, but not his ex-head coach Smith.
Although he doesn't directly throw a jibe at the Australian, reading between the lines, certain sentences stick out. With Leeming suggesting his exit was wanted by the Rhinos boss.
The statement read, "I have loved playing for Leeds Rhinos, and I am immensely proud to have captained the club to a Challenge Cup victory and the Grand Final last year.
"I have always given my best for the club, and that is why I am sad my time at the club has come to a premature end. To play at Headingley in front of the amazing support has been an honour and a privilege. I wish the team and the club every success.
"However, it is my understanding that this move suits the coaches wishes, and I know this is how things go in professional sport. I have nothing but admiration for what Gary Hetherington has done at Leeds and would like to thank him, Kevin Sinfield, Richard Agar and Jamie Jones-Buchanan for making my time at the club so special.
"I look forward to meeting my new teammates and a new challenge in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans."
Smith, who has been nonchalant when asked about the ongoing situation, now has handed the baton to Jarrod O'Connor, who has been playing bigger minutes out of nine post Leeming's exit.
After a controversial swap deal that has got people talking, the latest House of League episode welcomes Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity CEOs Paul Lakin and Michael Carter, who give their take on the Corey Hall/Will Dagger trade, plus lots more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
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