This morning it was announced that Marc Sneyd would be heading back to Salford Red Devils, paving the way for Leeds Rhinos’ Luke Gale to make the move to Hull FC.
The news took a lot of people by surprise with Sneyd signing a three-year deal, whilst Gale is expected to replace the Salfordian at the MKM Stadium.
Gale won the Challenge Cup in 2020 with Leeds, but has found himself subject to intense rumours over his future after losing the captaincy earlier in the season after an off-field disagreement with head coach Richard Agar.
But, just how has social media reacted?
One neutral rugby league fan didn’t label it a shock following Leeds’ recruitment.
Hardly a shock when they signed Sezer and Austin ha
— Kes (@kesXIII) November 5, 2021
One fan believed something had to give at Leeds with three halfbacks vying for two spots.
https://twitter.com/Steady2192/status/1456603437102141443?s=20
One Hull FC fan was particularly unhappy with the link.
https://twitter.com/emmsy1uk/status/1456606049654427656?s=20
A few Leeds fans have also had their say with one saying he wouldn’t be devastated if Gale left.
Useful player if he hangs around but wouldn't be devastated if he goes. Be nice to think if he went that we'd free up some cap space to spend in the front row
— JH90 (@Tsrih1990) November 5, 2021
Another Rhinos supporter called it the “best” plan.
On 2020 form yes, on last year's form absolutely not. Probably the best call but leaves us potentially light in the halves.
— Ste Morgan (@SteRhino1988) November 5, 2021
Another one said his injuries have cost him.
He’s proven he can’t keep himself fit long enough to be useful. Was always a gamble when we signed him
— James Bedford (@JamesBedford_) November 5, 2021
One Leeds fan was ruthless and said it could give Leeds the chance to get a forward.
Better for both parties for him to move on. At 33, he needs to have opportunity to play every week, and we now have some cap space for a forward.
— Lord North (@LordNorth) November 5, 2021
Another Rhinos fan was severely unhappy with Gale.
Showed his true colours after Catalans away when he couldn't accept the criticism off Agar and went home – Will be happy to be the 'big fish' again – Writing was on the wall when Leeds signed Sezer.
— mark brindle (@mjbrhino13) November 5, 2021
Another Leeds fan believed it was only a matter of time too.
As anyone who listens to the podcast will know – I've personally felt the writing was on the wall for Gale when he was stripped of the captaincy + it was just a matter of time before he left Leeds.
— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) November 5, 2021
The same person, however, felt that Gale’s time at Leeds was a success.
Was Luke Gale's time at Leeds a success?
You would have to say yes. The 2020 Challenge Cup win proves that.
— The Lot Pod (@Lot_17a) November 5, 2021
One Leeds fan drew parallels between Gale and Robert Lui for their impact.
Much like Lui, a half that we needed at a particular moment in time. Transitioned us out of the shit and back to a trophy, leaves with nothing but well wishes
— JH90 (@Tsrih1990) November 5, 2021
Another Rhinos supporter was split over the question.
Yes and no. Won a trophy in a shortened cup format. But won the league with them from down the road
He hasn’t had the form he had at cas or Bradford before them
— Craig Cockburn (@craigylad91) November 5, 2021
Another Leeds fan wasn’t bothered in the grand scheme of things, but believed the halfback could come back to haunt them.
Will probably go on to bite us on the arse during a game with Hull at some point but overall nah not bothered about him going. New HB pairing, new beginning and a more balanced attack both left and right…..
— Andy Dowling 💙💛 🐻⬇️ (@dowling_andy) November 5, 2021