Rohan Smith has dismissed Kruise Leeming's suggestion that his Leeds Rhinos departure was at the request of the head coach. Leeming completed his move to NRL club Gold Coast Titans over the weekend and released a statement on social media in the aftermath.
Within it, he stated: "It is my understanding that this suits the coaches wishes and I know this is how things go in professional sport."
Smith was asked about Leeming's comments ahead of the Rhinos' game with Huddersfield Giants and while he kept his response short, he made it clear that Leeming was the one who had instigated the move.
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"Kruise requested the release through his agent through having a conversation with Gary (Hetherington) and that was granted," Smith said. "So that's all I really have to say on that."
Leeming thanked all of his former Leeds coaches, as well as Gary Hetherington and Kevin Sinfield, but didn't go as far as extending that thanks to Smith.
Leeming had his first training sessions with the Titans this week and has been named as a reserve for their round six game with St George Illawarra Dragons this week. He has signed a deal with Gold Coast until the end of the season, but that does mean he's free to negotiate terms on a move for the 2024 season in either the NRL or Super League with immediate effect.
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