Ablett lands new Rhinos deal

Leeds forward Carl Ablett has agreed a new four year contract which will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2014 season.

Ablett, 24, who is a product of the Rhinos Academy, made the breakthrough to the first team in 2004 aged 18 and has gone on to make 81 appearances and score 15 tries for the club. A former Middleton and Hunslet Parkside player, he has played a big part of the Rhinos’ success in recent years and has featured in the team’s last three Grand Final victories.

Commenting on the announcement Head Coach Brian McClennan said, “Everyone at the club is very happy Carl has signed a contract extension. He is an important part of the Rhinos and he keeps getting better every year, so we are all pleased that he has committed his future to the club.

“He is a very athletic and skillful player and has even played stand off for us. In 2008 he covered at centre and did not complain, he just put the team’s needs first. Last year we were able to play him in his preferred position in the second row and I think he has just got better and better. He is still a young player and he has the ability to improve and knock on the door for representative honours.”

Speaking about his new long term deal Ablett said he was delighted to have secured his future with the Rhinos. He commented, “It’s good to finally sort out a long term deal with the club. Leeds are the team I have supported since I was young so I never wanted to join anywhere else.

“I have grown up at the Rhinos and I am really enjoying playing with this team and learning new things from the coaches. We have had some great success over the last few years, but the players are always improving and I really hope we will enjoy a lot more success in the future and I am happy that I am going to be a part of that.”