Lilley agrees new deal with Leeds

Leeds’ half-back Jordan Lilley has agreed a new three-year contract tying him to the club until the end of the 2020 season.

The 20-year-old returned to the side last week having been on loan at Bradford. Lilley made his debut in 2015 and featured in 24 games last season for the Rhinos.

Lilley said: “Leeds is my home town club and when I was growing up it was where I always wanted to play. When I got my opportunity to sign the new deal I grabbed it with both hands.

“The three-year deal gives me some security and hopefully I can continue to build as a player and secure a regular place in the team, working every week to improve myself.

“The last couple of years have been a big learning experience for me. I’ve learned new things especially over at Bradford where I’ve had more of a leadership role and that’s taught me what I need to improve in my personal game too.

“We want to try and create a new generation of young players who have come through the system together. I’m a long way off where I want to be and I’m learning every week from the senior players at the club.

“I’m not going to get everything handed to me, but I’m looking forward to that challenge so I can try and earn myself a starting shirt in the years to come.”

Leeds’ boss Brian McDermott added: “Jordan has worked hard at Bradford this season with Geoff Toovey and developed his game this season.

“He is still only 20-years-old so there is a long way to go in his career, but if he continues to apply himself the opportunities will be there for him.

“He is passionate about the Rhinos having supported the team since childhood and I know this new contract means a great deal to him.

“Importantly for us as a club, it also demonstrates to other young players that the rewards are there for them if they work hard and achieve with the Rhinos.”