Watkins signs new one-year Rhinos extension

Leeds Rhinos are delighted to announce that vice captain Kallum Watkins has signed a new one-year contract extension to remain at AMT Headingley until the end of the 2027 Betfred Super League season.

The 35-year-old has committed his future to the club having returned to the Rhinos last season from Salford. He recently played his 300th game for the club and last Friday made his 350th Super League appearance in the Rhinos win over Toulouse Olympique.

A product of the club's Academy, Watkins has enjoyed one of the most distinguished careers in Rhinos history, winning multiple Grand Finals and Challenge Cups and captaining the Rhinos. His versatility, leadership and professionalism continue to make him an integral part of Brad Arthur's squad as the Rhinos build for the future.

After agreeing his new deal, which was exclusively revealed to Leeds Rhinos Gold Members at an event on Monday night, Watkins said: "I'm delighted to be staying at Leeds Rhinos for another season. This club has always meant so much to me. I am so grateful for what the club has given me over the years and we have got a fantastic bunch of lads here now. We've got a squad that is growing together and I believe we're building towards something special.

"The support we've had from our fans is always special and I would like to thank them for how they have welcomed me and my family back to the Rhinos in the last year. Pulling on the Rhinos shirt is something I never take for granted and I'm excited to continue representing this club throughout the 2027 season." 

Head Coach Brad Arthur believes Watkins' influence extends far beyond his performances on matchday. "Kallum is exactly the type of player every coach wants in their squad," said Arthur.

"His standards are outstanding and he leads through his actions every single day. He's an experienced player who still performs at a high level, but what impresses me most is the example he sets around training and the way he helps develop the younger members of our squad."

Sporting Director Ian Blease added: "We're really pleased to secure Kallum's future for another year. He embodies everything you want from a Leeds Rhinos player. Kallum has the type of character we want to keep at the club, hopefully beyond his playing career because of the influence he has on our group.

"As we continue to shape our squad for the future, retaining players of Kallum's quality and character is vitally important. He cares deeply about this club, understands what it means to represent Leeds Rhinos and we're delighted he'll continue to do that in 2027." 

Watkins' extension is another significant piece of the Rhinos' squad planning as preparations continue for the 2027 Betfred Super League campaign, with one of the club's greatest servants set to continue adding to his remarkable Leeds Rhinos career.