One of Leeds Rhinos’ rising stars has agreed a new contract, but also suffered a long-term injury blow.
Rhinos today (Thursday) confirmed they have triggered an option which will keep winger/full-back Alfie Edgell at the club until the end of 2027.
His previous deal was due to expire this autumn, but Edgell is set to miss the opening months of the new campaign after suffering a thigh injury in Rhinos’ opening pre-season game, on Boxing Day. That is expected to keep him out of action for 14-16 weeks.
The 21-year-old came through Rhinos’ youth system to make his first team debut in their final game of 2023.
He played 16 times the following year and – after recovering from a pre-season broken jaw – added eight more appearances in 2025 before his campaign was ended by a foot injury.
The latest setback came in his comeback match, after he scored Leeds Rhinos’ opening try in an 18-10 win against Wakefield Trinity.
Edgell admitted the new deal is a boost following last month’s disappointment. He said: “It just gives you that bit of stability moving forwards.
“There’s no place I’d rather be than here, so I’m really, really happy. Obviously, I suffered the injury on Boxing Day and that’s frustrating, especially when I was really enjoying pre-season and being around the lads.
“Frustratingly, until last year I had never had any injuries. It has been a tough 12 months, however I will just make sure that I come back stronger from this setback.”
Edgell’s new contract was welcomed by Rhinos’ sporting director Ian Blease. “Alfie is Leeds through and through and that really matters to us,” Blease stated.
“He’s a committed young player who has shown great resilience whenever he has faced challenges.
“This contract extension reflects our belief in Alfie and our confidence that he’ll come through his rehab and continue to grow as a player at this club.”
Leeds coach Brad Arthur added: “Alfie was looking sharp in pre-season and had taken a lot out of the last few months. It’s unfortunate he picked up the injury on Boxing Day, but I have no doubt he will do everything asked of him to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
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