“It’s a massive call” – Agent on Leeds star’s desire after contract decision

Leeds Rhinos star Cameron Smith recently signed an extension with the club that will see his services retained until the end of the 2026 campaign – a move that his agent has revealed includes a number of different factors.

Smith, 24, broke into the Rhinos first team aged just 17 and following a spate of short loan spells, he has managed to establish himself as key to the future for Rohan Smith’s side – making over 100 appearances for the club in the process.

It was widely reported that part of the new deal was the reallocation of the 13 jersey to Smith, one of the more iconic shirts worn by players in amber and blue – including the club’s most successful captain Kevin Sinfield.

Smith’s agent, Craig Harrison of ‘Show Me The Money UK’ spoke on their YouTube show about the deal and what kept Smith at Leeds.

“Leeds came at the end of maybe July last year, saying that they wanted to extend Cam,” explained Harrison. “I think Rich Agar (former head coach) thought a lot of him, I know Rowan (Smith) certainly does.

“We didn’t get into it fully, Cam’s had an ambition to play in the NRL and he’s been getting better. Leeds came and said ‘would you like to extend’. I think he was disappointed with not getting in the England set-up for the World Cup.

“One thing I want to state is that when we got back to talks this year, it was clear he had two choices – he either plays his contract out or extends. Cameron had a massive desire to stay at Leeds and a massive desire to wear the 13 shirt, and one day become the captain of Leeds.”

Harrison didn’t elaborate on whether offers came from the NRL or which clubs were considered if he didn’t re-sign, but ultimately it proved that the pull of his boyhood club and in particular the number 13 shirt was too strong.

“All this NRL thing was always hanging about,” Harrison added. “It’s something that when I met him at 16 he made it clear to me then that he wanted to play in Australia.

“It’s a massive call by Cameron to commit to Leeds for the next five years. I think that it will take him into his testimonial year.”