Leeds Rhinos' departing stars assessed as 7 move on including David Fusitu'a and Rhyse Martin

Four players departed when their deal expired at the end of the current season and two more, who each had a year remaining on their contract, have been released. Here’s an assessment of how players bowing out fared during their time at Rhinos.

David Fuisitu’a (2022-24). 42 appearances, 18 tries.

The former New Zealand and Tonga Test winger’s time with Rhinos was a case of what might have been. There’s little doubt Fusitu’a is class act; a strong finisher, he was usually safe under a high ball and carried strongly from near Leeds’ line. Unfortunately, a succession of injuries meant he featured in only 42 of Rhinos’ 87 games during his three seasons at the club, following a move from NZ Warriors, which didn’t justify a place on the overseas quota.

His best season was 2023 when he touched down 10 times in 17 appearances and signed a new one-year contract, but he had no luck at all this term. A knee injury kept him out of the opening eight games and he suffered similar damage to his other leg in his comeback match, resulting in another five weeks on the sidelines.

He also missed a couple of games late on with a calf muscle issue and his spell at the club ended in sadly familiar fashion when a foot injury denied him a farewell appearance against Hull KR. He is only 29, though and if he can get his body right it wouldn’t be a shock to see him bounce back by scoring a lot of tries for his next club.

Rhyse Martin (2019-2024). 132 appearances, 40 tries, 440 goals.

Not only Leeds’ best signing since the end of the golden generation, the Papua New Guinea captain is also among the finest overseas recruits in the club’s history and someone who would not have looked out of place in the teams which won eight Grand Finals from 2004-2017. As a goal kicker, the former Canterbury Bulldogs man had the occasional off day, but when he strikes the ball well - as he did in landing 13 from 13 against Hull FC this month - he’s a pleasure to watch.

A Challenge Cup winner in 2020 and Grand Final try scorer two years later, the second-rower - and occasional centre - was one of Super League’s most underrated players. That changed when he was deservedly included in the latest Betfred Dream Team. Hull KR’s gain for the next two campaigns is very much Rhinos’ loss.

Mickael Goudemand (2024). 18 appearances, one try.

The French international forward, an off-season signing from Catalans Dragons, was a regular in the team over the first half of the campaign, but featured just once after Brad Arthur took over as coach. He gave it his all, but at 5ft 9ins tall and weighing 15st 6lb, lack of size counted against him in the middle of the field.

He would have benefited from more opportunities to play in the second-row, however - with Arthur clearly unconvinced - it wasn’t a shock when he was released last week as Rhinos attempted to clear more space in the squad for new signings.

Kieran Hudson (2024). No appearances.

Grandson of club icon John Holmes, the Sunderland-born prop-forward joined Leeds last autumn from Castleford Tigers having not played for more than a year because of an Achilles injury. He featured for Rhinos’ reserves and on dual-registration with Halifax Panthers, but never came close to a first team appearance. The 24-year-old was released from the final year of his contract at his own request.

Luis Roberts (2023-2024). 22 appearances, five tries.

A winger or centre, Roberts was signed from hometown club Leigh ahead of last season on a two-year deal after then-coach Rohan Smith spotted his potential, particularly his size - 6ft 4ins - and pace, during a trawl of the lower divisions. With only two previous Super League appearances to his name, he exceeded expectations by becoming a semi-regular in the team during his two seasons with Leeds.

Though still a work in progress, he was in the 17 for Leeds’ opening 13 games this year, until an injury cost him his place. New boss Arthur preferred to give youngsters from Rhinos’ own system an opportunity and Roberts wasn’t recalled until the final game of the season, when his departure had already been announced.

James Donaldson (2019-2024). 117 appearances, eight tries.

Rhinos offered the 33-year-old prop a new contract for next season, but he opted instead to go part-time with his first professional club, Bradford Bulls. An ideal player in a salary capped sport, Donaldson may not be a superstar, but his consistency, workrate and professionalism meant he was usually in the matchday 17 when fit.

The Cumbrian joined Rhinos after asking for a trial - following an unexpected exit from Hull KR - and went on to play in the 2020 Wembley win and Grand Final two years later. His Challenge Cup victory was a feel good story in a career which has endured more than its fair share of adversity, including a succession of long-term knee injuries. He battled back from potentially career-ending neck damage this year and in 2020 returned to action just a month after suffering a fracture in his back.

Corey Johnson (2019, 2021-2024). 29 appearances, one try.

An England academy hooker, Johnson came through Rhinos’ youth system to make his debut in the final game of 2019, but then took a shock break from the sport. He made a comeback playing community rugby league with Hunslet Club Parkside and rejoined Leeds in 2021.

Johnson’s best season was last year when he made 15 appearances, filling in as a half-back at times. He never let the side down, but his path to regular first team rugby was blocked by Jarrod O’Connor’s rise and the signing of Andy Ackers, leading to his departure when his contract expired at the end of this season.