Sky Sports' Barrie McDermott, Terry O'Connor and Phil Clarke react to the news that Leeds have placed Zak Hardaker on the transfer list.
The England international was a key player for Brian McDermott's side in their treble-winning 2015 season, but the Rhinos have agreed to sell him after he expressed his desire to play in the NRL.
Leeds have secured just three victories this season and are currently rooted to the bottom of the Super League table after 17 rounds, their most recent defeat coming at the hands of the Catalans Dragons on Friday evening.
Former Leeds stalwart and Sky Sports pundit McDermott admitted that he was not shocked to learn of the announcement.
"In some ways, it's not surprising," said McDermott. "The former Man of Steel was part of a treble-winning 2015, but equally part of the rock-bottom Rhinos of 2016.
"Rugby league players have short careers, which is probably why Zak Hardaker wants a new challenge.
"My instinct is he wants to play in the NRL, like many others. Like several Rhinos players, he has been way off his usual standards this year, and doesn't look like he's enjoying this particular challenge, so if that's how he feels, he must leave."
Despite their current standing in the table and their hopes of a top-eight finish and the opportunity to regain the famous treble they secured last season all but over, McDermott is positive the club he represented between 1995 and 2005 can bounce back.
"Leeds will find a replacement I'm certain," he added. "Truthfully, 2016 will probably live as long as 2015 in the memory bank of Rhinos fans, and the rebuilding process will be a fascinating one.
"Change is inevitable. Some players will move on and others will move in.
"To lose a player with such quality is a shame but that's the business aspect of rugby league."
O'Connor says the loss of such a big talent will be felt by the Rhinos, but believes they will come back stronger, and that the pressure on Hardaker may have contributed to his loss of form.
"It's tough for young players who win Man of Steel because there is always more pressure on them the following season," said the Wigan legend. "It's new territory, whereas a senior player may have a bit more experience under the belt to deal with it.
"Perhaps Hardaker wants a new challenge, or maybe he wants to get away from that expectation.
"Either way, he will be a loss to Leeds, and I have no doubt that he will dazzle whichever crowd he ends up playing in front of, because he is a brilliant talent. With that said, no player is irreplaceable so I can see Leeds bouncing back comfortably from this.
"Each time a big talent leaves, there is this feeling that he can't be replaced, but the truth is there are plenty of fresh, exciting players coming through each season, and they will take the chance to play for a club like Leeds in a heartbeat.
"No player is bigger than the club, and although I think it will take the Rhinos a bit longer to rebuild than initially thought, they will be back as a force within the next three to four years."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Clarke admitted his shock at Leeds' decision to part ways with one of their most promising young players.
In his Sky Sports column on Saturday, Clarke said: "I never thought that I would see the day when Leeds allow one of their best players to leave mid-season.
"OK, I know he has not been as impressive this season as he was in the last, but as I mentioned earlier this week, Leeds need to buy some players, not sell them, if they want to get out of their current predicament.
"The 24-year-old was voted Man of Steel last season, the first time that Leeds have had a player to win that title since Iestyn Harris back in 1998. Why would the Rhinos let him leave? And particularly in circumstances like this?
"My experience of following the game tells me that when a team loses on a regular basis, someone gets blamed. It might not always be that person's fault, but the club feel the need to change something, and it looks like in this case, it will be Hardaker at Leeds."