05 October 2023 , 10:42
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Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has confirmed an interest in Man of Steel Brodie Croft after Rhinos announced a new, lucrative 15-year ground-naming deal.
The famous sporting venue will be known as AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium after linking up with Leeds-based vehicle solutions business AMT Auto in the club’s biggest-ever commercial deal.
It will be a welcome boost for the West Yorkshire outfit who are coming to terms with a poor 2023 season having missed out on the play-offs.
Rohan Smith’s squad are in urgent need of new talent and Rhinos have been heavily linked with making a six-figure bid for Salford’s star Aussie stand-off Croft.
Hetherington admitted money from the stadium rights deal would allow the club to strengthen their squad.
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And he said: “I can only say we’re only interested in top quality players and certainly he (Croft) is a top quality player.
“He’s the reigning Man of Steel and yes we would be interested in him and a few more as well. We are very active in the market both at home and overseas. We’re close to putting together a squad that we believe will have an outstanding chance of succeeding next year. And Brodie Croft is a player we’ve shown an interest in.”
Hetherington added that the club would always be “prepared” to pay a transfer fee if needed for squad strengthening. They are also in the market for a new centre after they last night confirmed Nene Macdonald’s release and it’s understood they will head to the NRL for that signature.
Leeds coach Rohan Smith will be hoping for an improved 2024 (PA)Hetherington added: “We believe we’re on the crest of putting an outstanding team together, a team that will be very much in the image of Rohan Smith for 2024
“Rohan came in last year and inherited a team which is now changing and it’s a really exciting time to look forward to. This sponsorship really does underpin everything we’re doing- and it’s a great boost for the club but the game and Super League as a whole. We will be using the sponsorship resources to improve our organisation.
“We’re looking to make a difference and the squad that takes to the field next season will be very different to this one. We’re always prepared to pay a fee if we think that’s right for the team.”