Rohan Smith has revealed Leeds are in discussions with several potential new signings but has warned against a major overhaul of his squad at Headingley this winter. The Rhinos are yet to confirm any new acquisitions for 2023 as things stand, though they are believed to have secured a deal for promising Toulouse forward Justin Sangare.
Leeds' primary focus has been retaining their out-of-contract players, with the likes of Blake Austin already committing their futures to the club for 2023 and beyond. Smith was asked on Tuesday about the prospect of new faces arriving, and was understandably coy.
He did, however, insist that supporters should not expect a glut of new signings, with Leeds' young and contracted players likely to comprise the bulk of their squad for next year. "We're in some conversations with a few players," he said.
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"Retention has been the major focus. We've got a bunch of young players who have progressed this season and their status within the group will move forward. There won't be a lot of new people into the building but there'll certainly be a little flurry of signings at some point.
"There's some out of contract and some of those are having ongoing discussions. Some have been tied up elsewhere and yet to be announced so there will be some departures that's for sure, but there'll be some incomings too."
Smith's side head to Super League champions on Thursday following the international break, with the focus now on putting a run of form together that can move them into a position to challenge for a play-off place at the end of the season.
They have been boosted by a significant number of returnees including half-back Aidan Sezer, who Smith confirmed will definitely start in the halves on Thursday night.
James Bentley also returns from suspension to take on his former club, and Smith admitted he has had conversations with the forward about tempering the on-field attitude that has led to several suspensions already in 2022.
"James and I have been speaking abbot managing the emotion and how to best execute himself for six weeks or so since I've been here," Smith said.
"I don't think it changes too much this weekend, he can't control how the other team might poke him or annoy him but James is understanding of the fact that he needs to be in control of himself, get out there and compete. It'll be a good occasion for the kid."
