Rhinos sign up next generation on long term deals

Leeds Rhinos have announced new contracts for 15 of the club’s brightest young graduates from the club’s academy.  

Ranging from new long term deals for first year Academy players to extensions for players who have already broken into the first team squad, the deals are a significant investment in the club’s talent and long term planning. 

The longest deal will see loose forward Presley Cassell, who joined the club this year having previously played at West Bowling and Siddal, agree a new five year contract that will keep him at AMT Headingley until at least the end of the 2028 season. 

There are four year deals for half backs Fergus McCormack, Harry Smith and George Brown, props Jayemm Oladipupo and Joe Butterfield, back rows Jacob Stead and Ben Littlewood, full backs Joe Diskin and Harley Thomas and centre Marcus Qareqare. 

Four players who have already made their Super League debuts also get new deals with winger Riley Lumb signing for four years, Ned McCormack and Alfie Edgell three years each and Tom Nicholson-Watton agreeing a two year deal to keep him at the Rhinos until at least the end of next season.  

Commenting on the new deals, Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease said, “Leeds Rhinos has always been proud of its track record of not only developing quality, young talent but also giving opportunities for them to play at the highest level. You only need to look at the contribution of Alfie Edgell and Ned McCormack in last week’s win over Leigh to see that continues to be the case. This next generation will be hoping they too can make their mark and follow in the footsteps of fellow Rhinos Ash Handley and Harry Newman who are both academy graduates in the England squad this weekend.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank all staff who have worked on the development of these young players thus far, their tireless dedication over the years has led up to this commitment by the club along with the support each player has received from his family and community club.”

Leeds Rhinos Head of Youth John Bastian commented, “It is a significant commitment by the young Rhinos players and the club. This is a group of talented young men, who cover all positions, and have time to develop in the Super League squad and push hard to compete for a starting position in the team in the years ahead.”