Leeds sign Yates

Leeds have moved to sign Hunslet prop Andy Yates on a two-year contract.

Yates, 23, has been impressive in his 20 Championship appearances for the Hawks this season, his third in Yorkshire since signing from St Helens.

He will train full time with the Rhinos during pre-season and will be awarded a squad number in the top 25 players for the 2014 season.

As with the likes of Brad Singleton, Jimmy Keinhorst and Liam Hood this season, he will be dual registered with the Hawks for next season when he will be available to Hunslet if he is not required by Leeds in Super League.

Yates said, “It is a massive opportunity for me, I have been at Saints before and it is great to have another opportunity to play in Super League.

“I want to go there and prove myself and hopefully get into the first team. It is another level of training at Super League and I know it is going to be tough in pre-season but I can only benefit from that. That will stand me in good stead for the new season and hopefully I can kick on from there.”

Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott added, “We are delighted to sign Andy and think he will be a good addition to our squad for next season.

“We have seen the value of the dual registration process in recent weeks with the form of Jimmy Keinhorst and Brad Singleton in particular and these relationships give players a route back into Super League if they have missed out first time around.”