Moore signs for Rhinos

Former Bradford, Leigh, Wakefield and Crusaders prop, Richard Moore, has signed a three-year deal with Leeds Rhinos, the club where it all began for him.

The 30-year-old started off life with the Leeds Academy and his deal with the Rhinos will commence at the start of the 2012 season.

Commenting on the signing, Moore stated: “It is a great opportunity for me to come back to Leeds Rhinos, a club that I never wanted to leave back at the start of my career. I have matured both as a player and a person since my days in the Academy and I am looking forward to being part of this great club again.

“Once you leave Leeds, you never normally get another chance to play for the club again and I can not explain how happy I am to be back at the Rhinos.

“Leeds have got a fantastic squad and they are strong in my position with six top class props. I know I will have my work cut out from day one in pre-season to earn my place in the side but that is my determination. I am looking forward to playing alongside Jamie Peacock again and learning off him.

“I had signed a two year contract at Crusaders and was feeling settled at the club before they withdrew their Super League application. Obviously that was a tough time with none of the squad knowing what the future had in store for them.

“I had arranged to speak to a number of clubs but once I had spoken to Gary Hetherington and knew Leeds were keen to bring me back, I was not interested in speaking to anyone else.

“I know Brian McDermott and Jimmy Lowes from my time at Bradford when I played alongside both at the start of my career. They are both very good, honest coaches and I know that I will need to put the hard work in in pre-season. I am not looking any further than that at this stage.”

Head Coach Brian McDermott also added “Richard is a player with huge potential even though he is 30. He is very dynamic and the game to break down defences. I am sure he will benefit from being in our environment and fills a gap left in our squad following the departure of Luke Burgess earlier this season.

“He has been on a journey in his career and never wanted to leave Leeds in the first place. Whenever I have coached against him, he is always someone you tip up because he is a constant threat to opposition and I am pleased to have him in our team for next year.”