Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that one of their brightest young prospects has signed a new long-term contract.
The deal will keep 19-year-old stand-off George Brown at Leeds until the end of the 2029 season.
Brown joined Rhinos’ scholarship from the Dewsbury Celtic community club ahead of the 2022 season, but switched to Yorkshire rugby union for their 2023-24 campaign.
He returned to the 13-a-side game in 2024, signing an academy contract with Leeds and being the under-18s player of the year last season, when he was also man of the match in the reserves’ Grand Final victory against Warrington Wolves.
Brown, who had two full seasons remaining on his previous terms, made his first team debut in February and featured four times – scoring three tries – before suffering a knee injury which could keep him out of action until 2027.
He is a leading contender to become Rhinos’ number six next year following Brodie Croft’s impending departure to Warrington, so his long-term contract is a major boost for the Super League leaders.
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George Brown lands new Leeds Rhinos contract
Brown said: “I am really pleased to have agreed a long-term deal with the club and I would like to thank [coach] Brad Arthur and [sporting director] Ian Blease for having faith in me.
“Our transition coach Chev Walker’s influence has been a huge boost to me too. We got to both Grand Finals last year – with the academy and reserves – and I am excited to be part of this group going forward in the next few years.
“We have got players who have been around Leeds for a long time and they really want to win something. You can see how ambitious the club is and striving to win things. For us as young boys coming through that’s a great influence and shows how high the standards are.”
Arthur, who last week signed a new deal until the end of 2028, is a big fan of Brown. He said: “George is a young player we are excited about and one we believe has a very bright future at this club.
“What has impressed me most since I arrived is the rate of his development. He has probably progressed quicker than I expected and every opportunity he has been given, he has handled really well.”
The coach went on: “We haven’t seen as much of him as we would have liked because of his knee injury, but the signs have been very encouraging. You could see his confidence growing with every game and every experience he had around the first-team environment.
“George is a player who suits the way we want to play; he’s tough, he defends well, he runs the ball strongly and he has got a competitive edge you need at this level. He has some similarities in his style to Brodie Croft, but also his own strengths and qualities that will continue to develop over time.
“We’re proud of the pathway we’ve built at Leeds Rhinos and George is a great example of that. We believe in our system, we believe in our coaches and, most importantly, we believe in the young players coming through. George has earned this opportunity and everyone at the club is excited to see what he can achieve in the years ahead.”
Blease added: “Leeds as a club has a proud tradition of developing their own talent and that will definitely be the foundation of our group moving forward. We are pleased to have secured George on a long term contract.
“While he is currently injured, we have faith in him that he will return stronger from the lay off and I look forward to seeing him make the most of his opportunity after another pre-season under his belt ahead of next year.”
