Leeds Rhinos close in on Brodie Croft after contract breakthrough
Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 4:18 pm
The Rhinos have taken a significant stride towards securing the former Man of Steel.
Leeds Rhinos are on the verge of completing a deal for Brodie Croft after a breakthrough moment in negotiations. Rugby League Live understands an agreement has been reached between the Rhinos and Croft's representatives which will see allow the transfer of the former Man of Steel winner to be finalised.
Leeds and Croft's current club, Salford Red Devils, had already agreed terms on the transfer of the player, allowing Leeds to discuss personal details. However, for several days it appeared that a deal might not be reached given the complex nature of the discussions.
First and foremost, Croft, rather than being unsure about a move to the Rhinos, is reluctant to leave Salford. The halfback is understood to be settled and had no intentions of leaving a club where he had revitalised his career after a difficult stint in the NRL. He has bought a house local to the area and the fact he was named Super League's best player in 2022 demonstrated that coach Paul Rowley knew how to get the best out of him. Croft's departure is very much a boardroom decision, rather than the player wanting out.
Beyond that, Croft also has the biggest contract in Super League at Salford. On a seven-year deal earning marquee money, along with NRL release clauses, that made it difficult for the Rhinos to present an attractive offer from a financial standpoint. Up until earlier this week, there was a feeling a deal might not be agreed.
However, considerable progress is thought to have been made in recent days and all indications suggest Leeds will get their man in a deal that will see the Rhinos pay a substantial fee, thought to be in the region of £200,000. He will become Leeds' final quota player, with the club already signing Paul Momirovski, Lachie Miller and Matt Frawley for the 2024 season. Frenchman Mickael Goudemand has also been confirmed while Kieran Hudson, from Castleford Tigers, will also join the club.
As for Salford, Croft will become the second player they have sold in recent months, having also struck a deal with Wigan Warriors for Tyler Dupree. Oli Partington, another key player for Rowley, is in talks over a move to Warrington Wolves. That deal could see Salford sign Wire prop Joe Bullock as part of the deal.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-27893517
Leeds Rhinos are on the verge of completing a deal for Brodie Croft after a breakthrough moment in negotiations. Rugby League Live understands an agreement has been reached between the Rhinos and Croft's representatives which will see allow the transfer of the former Man of Steel winner to be finalised.
Leeds and Croft's current club, Salford Red Devils, had already agreed terms on the transfer of the player, allowing Leeds to discuss personal details. However, for several days it appeared that a deal might not be reached given the complex nature of the discussions.
First and foremost, Croft, rather than being unsure about a move to the Rhinos, is reluctant to leave Salford. The halfback is understood to be settled and had no intentions of leaving a club where he had revitalised his career after a difficult stint in the NRL. He has bought a house local to the area and the fact he was named Super League's best player in 2022 demonstrated that coach Paul Rowley knew how to get the best out of him. Croft's departure is very much a boardroom decision, rather than the player wanting out.
Beyond that, Croft also has the biggest contract in Super League at Salford. On a seven-year deal earning marquee money, along with NRL release clauses, that made it difficult for the Rhinos to present an attractive offer from a financial standpoint. Up until earlier this week, there was a feeling a deal might not be agreed.
However, considerable progress is thought to have been made in recent days and all indications suggest Leeds will get their man in a deal that will see the Rhinos pay a substantial fee, thought to be in the region of £200,000. He will become Leeds' final quota player, with the club already signing Paul Momirovski, Lachie Miller and Matt Frawley for the 2024 season. Frenchman Mickael Goudemand has also been confirmed while Kieran Hudson, from Castleford Tigers, will also join the club.
As for Salford, Croft will become the second player they have sold in recent months, having also struck a deal with Wigan Warriors for Tyler Dupree. Oli Partington, another key player for Rowley, is in talks over a move to Warrington Wolves. That deal could see Salford sign Wire prop Joe Bullock as part of the deal.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-27893517
