Leeds Rhinos’ Martin to leave at end of season

Leeds Rhinos forward Rhyse Martin will leave the Super League club at the end of the season after turning down a new contract.

Papua New Guinea international Martin joined the Rhinos in June 2019 from Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

The 31-year-old, who made more than 120 appearances, won the Challenge Cup in 2020 and played in the 2022 Grand Final.

Sporting director Ian Blease said Leeds had offered Martin an “improved” deal but the player wanted to take up an opportunity elsewhere.

“Rhyse is a great professional and he will continue to be committed to the Rhinos team until the end of the season,” Blease told the club website.

We have eight games remaining of the regular season and I know he will do all he can for his team and play his role in helping us achieve our ambitions of reaching the play-offs.

“He has been an outstanding player and I would like to thank him for his service to the Rhinos.”