The Rhinos insist the news is an emphasis on the club’s significant long-term planning and is a ‘significant investment in the club’s talent’.
Four of that group have already made their Super League debuts. Riley Lumb has penned a new four-year deal, while outside backs Ned McCormack and Alfie Edgell, both of whom played in last weekend’s win over Leigh Leopards, have signed new three-year contracts.
Forward Tom Nicholson-Watton is another who has featured in Super League for Leeds in 2024 already, and he has signed until the end of next season. Ben Littlewood, another member of the Rhinos’ current first-team squad, has agreed a deal until the end of the 2027 campaign.
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.
“That’s still the case, as seen by Alfie Edgell and Ned McCormack’s contributions to last week’s victory over Leigh. The next generation will be looking to emulate fellow Rhinos Ash Handley and Harry Newman, who both graduated from prestigious schools and are playing for England this weekend, in order to leave their imprint.
“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 said: “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.”
The biggest deal is for promising forward Presley Cassell, who has signed until the end of the 2028 season after agreeing a five-year deal. Half-backs Fergus McCormack, Harry Smith and George Brown have signed four-year deals, as have props Jayemm Oladipupo and Joe Butterfield.
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