Smith was man of the match in the Rhinos Grand Final 2008 victory

Leeds Rhinos' versatile England international Lee Smith will quit the club at the end of the season, and is expected to switch codes.

The 22-year-old back will not renew his contract when it expires in November.

Smith told the club's official website: "I have really enjoyed my time at the Rhinos and still do. I feel the time is right to move on to a new challenge."

Coach Brian McClennan told BBC Radio Leeds: "This is the nature of our sport - particularly with the salary cap."

Smith, who has been linked with a move to union side London Wasps, has scored 42 tries in 88 appearances since making his debut for Leeds in 2005, and played twice for England in last year's World Cup.

McClennan added: "There is of course major disappointment from us that Lee is leaving because he is a quality player.

"I think people are starting to understand how clubs can't retain all their players given the salary cap.

"Lee will be giving his best to help Leeds win trophies this season and we'll be doing our best to give him the best send-off we can with winners' medals."

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "It is always disappointing when a player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has come through our ranks and gone on to win international honours.

"We have a strong nucleus of players in our squad, who are committed not only to the club but to one another, but we live in the age of freedom of contract and it is inevitable that some will choose to play elsewhere at some point."

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