Rhinos confirm departing players ahead of final home game

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that six first team players will leave the club at the end of the 2024 season.  

The club had already announced that Rhyse Martin and James Donaldson will finish their time at AMT Headingley at the conclusion of the current campaign but the club have also confirmed that winger David Fusitu’a, centre Luis Roberts and hooker Corey Johnson will all leave at the completion of their current deals whilst prop Kieran Hudson has been granted a release from the final year of his contract. 

Tongan international Fusitu’a joined the Rhinos in 2022 from New Zealand Warriors. The 29-year-old has scored 17 tries in 40 appearances. 22-year-old Luis Roberts joined the Rhinos from his home town club of Leigh Leopards last season and has scored five tries in 21 appearances. Corey Johnson, rejoined the Rhinos in 2021 having opted to initially leave the professional game in 2020. The 23-year-old Academy product has managed 29 appearances for the Rhinos along with spells on loan and dual registration with Bradford, York, Featherstone and Halifax.  Kieran Hudson joined the Rhinos this season from Castleford Tigers but injuries have frustrated his chances of breaking into the matchday squad. 

Commenting on the departures Sporting Director Ian Blease said, “Sadly part of the professional game is that players do move on from clubs to seek new opportunities elsewhere. All six players will leave AMT Headingley with our very best wishes and, on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank them for their efforts for the club, not just on matchdays but the unseen hard work that goes on behind the scenes as players battle hard to get back from injuries to support their team mates. 

“We have three games left in the regular season and I know, regardless of where their future lies at the end of the year, all six players will be giving their all each day to help the whole squad prepare for those games and achieve their potential this season. I am sure the Leeds fans can show their appreciation on Friday night when we play Hull FC, especially to the four lads who have been here for a number of years.”