England international Lee Smith is to quit Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season, the club have confirmed.
England international expected to switch codes
England international Lee Smith is to quit Leeds Rhinos at the end of the season.
The Yorkshire club have confirmed that Smith, 22, will leave Headingley when his current contract expires.
The Rhinos full-back, who is equally adept on the wing, was named man of the match in Leeds' Grand Final triumph last year, and has scored 42 tries in 88 appearances since making his debut in 2005.
Now expected to switch codes, he admitted he was ready for a new challenge.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the Rhinos and still do," he said. "I feel privileged to play for my home-town club," he said.
"However, by the end of this season, I will have completed seven seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a new challenge."
Opportunity
Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "It is Lee's choice, of course, and I know he will give his best for the rest of the season.
"His leaving will create an opportunity for someone else next year and we will be looking at that situation.
"But everyone's focus is now on our next game this weekend and the remainder of the season."
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington admitted Smith's departure will be a blow to the club but wished him well in his future playing career.
"It is always disappointing when a player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has come through our ranks and gone on to win international honours," he said.
"We have a strong nucleus of players in our squad, who are committed not only to the club to be one another but we live in the age of freedom of contract and it is inevitable that some will choose to play elsewhere at some point."
