On May 1st, Super League players without a contract for the 2024 season will be free to negotiate and sign contracts with rival clubs. Among those players will be Leeds Rhinos prop, Sam Walters.
The 22-year-old is entering the final months of his contract and his future at Headingley is unclear. Leeds' defeat to Leigh on Friday was the fourth consecutive game the towering prop wasn't selected for and with Walters currently not playing, the Rhinos are playing a risky game when it comes to his long-term future.
While clubs can't yet actively table offers for the forward, it's inevitable that a number of clubs will have circled his name and added him to the wishlist. Young British forwards are always in demand and when one of Walters' potential becomes available, clubs across Super League will be keen.
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Rugby League Live has learned that Walters and his representatives have decided to head into the open market to see what offers are out there, and a bidding war is likely to ensue. From a Leeds perspective, it is difficult to ignore the comparisons to just twelve months ago and the case of Jack Broadbent, who ultimately left the club to join Castleford Tigers.
He too was struggling to get regular game time and when it came to contract negotiations, there were clubs willing to offer him a more lucrative deal and more guarantees regarding first-team opportunities. Ultimately, there is a likelihood the same will happen with Walters.
Mikolaj Oledzki and Tom Holroyd are set to be mainstays at Headingley for years to come and it's clear that Rohan Smith is a fan of Justin Sangare, the Frenchman who has played every game he has been available in so far this season. Both he and Sam Lisone are under contract for next season and given that, it does seem that Walters' prospects of regular first-team action at Leeds remain unlikely for at least another 18 months, and that's before Zane Tetevano, his future or possible replacement.
Walters turns 23 this year, has 24 Super League appearances to date and most probably feels like he is ready for a more prominent role. The reality is that players want to play. Walters has only been selected three times this season. Ultimately, that might see his future away from Headingley.
It does leave Leeds and Rohan Smith with a tricky decision to make. Smith has spoken highly of Walters in the past and, you suspect, will want to retain him. However, it might well prove easier said than done.
The new episode of House of League is out now! Matthew Shaw is joined by Paul Cooke and Joe Appleyard to discuss the season so far and grade every club's campaign.
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