News that recruitment is active at Headingley was well received last week as news of Justin Sangare's capture emerged. But the truth is Rohan Smith and those in charge of shaping the squad still have plenty of work to do before finalising their squad next season.
Further incomings can be expected, and there is little doubting that. However, players are leaving and while some may be replaced organically and internally by rising youngsters, others will need to be recruited from the outside.
Of all the positions where Leeds have decisions to make, the challenge of sorting out their hooking department has the potential to be the most challenging. It's no secret that Brad Dwyer is expected to leave the club, though where he will play next season remains a mystery. In the first instance, his place can be filled by youngster Corey Johnson, who recently signed a new two-year deal with the club.
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But losing Dwyer would leave the Rhinos with just two recognised hookers in their squad. That threatens to be an issue over the course of an eight-month season. It's clear that Leeming, the club captain and potential England number nine later this year, has been primed to be the main man in the role for years to come.
Under Smith, he has played extensive minutes, which has reduced Dwyer to a cameo role for a short stint. In that sense, that role is perfectly fitted to Johnson, who is likely to get his first full season of first-team action next season.
But the problem Leeds have is if Leeming goes down injured for a substantial period. The Swaziland-born star is know to be one of the most professional and hard-working players in the club but has also endured some injury woe during his time at Headingley. If he were to go down, Leeds would have a serious issue on their hands. They would ultimately be relying on a youngster with little more than a handful of appearances at this level under his belt.
If you compare Leeds' depth at nine compared to other clubs, particularly if and when Dwyer leaves, the reason for concern becomes apparent. Wigan have two specialist hookers in Sam Powell and Brad O'Neill, but beyond that, they have Joe Shorrocks, Tommy Leuluai and Harry Smith. St Helens only have two hookers but with respect, they are James Roby and Joey Lussick, both genuine front-line players who can play 80 minutes.
Catalans have England's Micky McIlorum, France's Alrix Da Costa and Arthur Morgue, who has played there on several occasions. Huddersfield have Danny Levi, Adam O'Brien, George Roby and Ashton Golding, who they have converted to play in that position. Even Hull FC have Danny Houghton, Joe Lovodua, Jordan Johnstone and young up-and-comer Denive Balmforth. By comparison, Leeds, on the basis Dwyer leaves, have Jarrod O'Connor who can jump in there if Leeds are desperate. But overall, they are light in that area.
But recruiting a hooker will be easier said than done. The truth is that domestically there are very few hookers on the market. Overseas options are available, but to use a valuable spot on a player who will ultimately be tasked with playing in short bursts would seem like a waste of a coveted spot. The other issue is selling the role to the player. Leeds won't want to break the bank on an impact hooker and with no promise on game time, it's won't be the type of role all players are looking for.
It leaves Leeds with something of a conundrum. Do they risk it and bank on their existing duo to see them through or take a different course? The solution, perhaps, can be found within their own squad.
A recent trend has seen clubs convert players in other positions to makeshift nines. Wakefield have used winger Liam Kay in the middle while the aforementioned Ashton Golding played there for Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup Final. At Salford, Morgan Escare has even been used in that position.
In that sense, Leeds do perhaps have some options. Competition in the backline is fierce, and ultimately, everyone won't be able to play. If Zak Hardaker is preferred as the long-term fullback, that will open the door for someone like Jack Walker or even Richie Myler to make a surprise transition.
Either way, it's just one piece of the jigsaw Smith has to put together in the Leeds Rhinos puzzle.
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