Leeds fight off interest from rivals to retain hot prospect Jarrod O’Connor

Leeds have fended off interest from several Super League clubs to tie down promising hooker Jarrod O’Connor to a long-term deal.

The 20-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Rhinos since making the move over to Yorkshire from Widnes.

O’Connor’s new deal will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2025 season.

He said: “I’m happy to get my new contract over the line so I can look forward to the future.

“The club showed a lot of faith in me when they brought me here when Widnes went into administration and I just see my future here going forward. This is always where I wanted to be.

“Rohan Smith has shown a lot of faith in me since he became coach. He’s a big reason to stay as well. Training is going well and I’ve been getting the game time which is helping me to improve. 

“I’m feeling better each week and with each game that goes by with the more minutes I play.

“As a group we want to get the club back up to the top of the table and start winning trophies again. Especially with all the young lads coming through, we’re all quite close and all want to stay here and be one of those generations that stays together and wins loads of trophies.”

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Rhinos boss delighted to secure Jarrod O’Connor on long-term deal

Leeds coach Rohan Smith said: “Jarrod has been in impressive form in recent weeks and it is a boost for our squad that we have secured him for the next three years.

“He is a hard working player, who is always keen to improve himself with extras after training. I am sure we will see even more improvement in the years ahead.”

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