Leeds Rhinos start pack overhaul with Goudemand tip of recruitment iceberg
Leeds Rhinos' work to revamp their pack is underway after Mickael Goudemand's time at Headingley came to an end. The Super League club has confirmed the departure of the France international, who has been released from his contract after just one season.
The former Catalans Dragons forward couldn't get going in blue and amber, and the writing appeared to be on the wall following the arrival of Brad Arthur, who only selected him once following his arrival at the club.
Goudemand leaves after making 18 appearances for the Rhinos and frees up further salary cap for the club to use heading into 2025. However, his departure appears set to be just one piece in Leeds' recruitment jigsaw, with a reshuffle of the pack on the agenda.
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Rugby League Live believes that further forwards are expected to depart in the off-season as part of the wider plans to strengthen the squad heading into next season.
As it stands, Leeds currently have two quota spots available and they are expected to be used on props, with Brad Arthur keen to add strength to his middle unit next year. The club has lost Rhyse Martin to Hull KR but as it stands, the Rhinos are expected to try and cover that loss internally, with Morgan Gannon set to return to action next year and compete for a place in the team alongside James McDonnell and James Bentley.
Rugby League Live has also revealed that Jake Connor has emerged as a top target for the Rhinos in the outside backs and a deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Sporting Director Ian Blease, who has been tasked with revamping the squad, said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Mickael all the best for the future. He has returned to France in recent weeks ahead of the birth of his first child with his partner Louisa and they leave with our best wishes and thanks.”
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