Leeds Rhinos will lose Sam Walters at the end of the season. Rugby League Live understands the 22-year-old has decided to leave the club and is expected to take up a contract with Wigan Warriors for the 2024 season.
Walters had decided to enter the open market after frustrations regarding his playing time this year and, despite Leeds' efforts to retain him, Walters has decided to move on to a new challenge at the end of the season.
Despite playing in the Rhinos' defeat to Salford last week, he was dropped to the reserves this week, replaced by Frenchman Justin Sangare in the matchday squad. Despite finding his gameplay limited this year, Leeds were keen to keep him but Walters will now move on.
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It's a blow to the Rhinos' plans for 2024, who are understood to be bitterly disappointed to not only lose him, but the prospect of losing him to one of their most bitter rivals. From a Wigan perspective he would help replace Brad Singleton, who will leave for Salford at the end of the season, but more importantly, it would see the Warriors land a player who many believe is one of the most promising British forwards in the British game.
Wigan, understandably, are looking to recruit a back-rower after losing John Bateman before the season and the impending departure of Kai Pearce-Paul to NRL side Newcastle Knights. However, their recruitment drive is expected to be relatively low key, with head coach Matt Peet putting emphasis on the club's intent to retain its current crop of players.
And for Leeds, they will now have to source an extra addition to their squad after losing a player in Walters who many felt had a long-term future at the club. In total he has made 29 appearances for the Rhinos, including four this season.
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