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Former Leeds Rhinos youngster secures future

Leeds Rhinos academy has churned out many stars of Super League as one of the leading academies in the game.

In fact, thanks to some Jack Sinfield heroics, the Rhinos are the reigning under 18s Champions and of course their golden generation was founded on the talent produced by the Leeds academy system.

Even the players who don’t stay at Leeds moving forward often excel.

Look at Luke Gale for instance. He left Leeds for Doncaster in his youth and climbed up the league’s to become a Man of Steel winner and an England international playing in a World Cup Final back in 2017.

Now one youngster is hoping to do the same.

Hooker Oli Burton came through Leeds’ scholarship system to sign for the Academy alongside brother Joe in 2019.

After spells with Oulton Raiders, Stanley Rangers and Sandal Rugby Union, Burton played most of his amateur rugby at Kippax Welfare.

After earning this move into the Leeds academy, despite the pandemic, Burton shone and eventually was sent out on loan to Batley Bulldogs in 2021 alongside Levi Edwards.

The hooker impressed making a permanent switch to the Bulldogs in 2022.

He has now signed an extension as Batley hope to go one better in 2023 after losing the Championship Grand Final to then Leigh Centurions.

The Bulldogs are preparing nicely for the new season having signed Keegan Hirst who comes out of retirement and Wales captain Elliot Kear.

Vital business after the coups made by their Championship rivals namely Bradford.

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