Leeds sign Wakefield prop

Leeds have signed Wakefield prop Jay Pitts for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

Pitts, 19, supported the Rhinos as a boy and moves with immediate effect having played his last game for the Wildcats in their reserve side against Leeds on Saturday.

He is the third player to sign for Leeds in recent weeks, following on from the captures of centre Michael Coady from Doncaster and prop Kyle Amor from Whitehaven.

Head Coach Brian McClennan said: “We are delighted to have signed Jay and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the club. He has impressed us with his performances for the Wildcats over the past two years and when he has played against us in the Reserve Academy or the Festive Challenge matches against Wakefield.

“He has joined us with immediate effect and that will give us some more strength in depth. He will do some physical testing with our fitness staff this week and we will make a decision after that when he will make his first appearance as a Rhino.”

Pitts has made 13 appearances for the Wildcats this season having made his debut against Wigan in 2008 and has scored two tries in Super League. He was out of contract at Belle Vue at the end of the season.

Pitts said: “It is a dream come true for me to sign for Leeds having been a season ticket holder at the Rhinos when I was a kid.

“I am extremely grateful to Wakefield for all the help and support they have given me down the years and I know I still have a big challenge in front of me here at Leeds to prove to my team mates and the coaches that I am worthy of a place in the first team.

“I have always believed in working hard and I know I need to keep doing the things that have got me my chance at Leeds if I am to make the most of it.”

Pitts has been given the squad number 30 at Headingley Carnegie and could make his debut for the Rhinos Reserve side against Hull KR on Friday.