Leeds Rhinos winger Ash Handley has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at Emerald Headingey until at least the end of the 2024 Betfred Super League.
Handley made his debut for the Rhinos back in 2014 having come through the club’s academy after signing from Oulton Raiders as a junior. He has since gone on to amass 78 tries in 124 appearances for the club including finishing as top try scorer in Super League in 2020.
The Leeds-born flyer is a member of Shaun Wane’s England squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup later this year and will make his return from injury this Friday when the Rhinos travel to Hull KR in the Betfred Super League. Handley suffered a knee injury in the pre-season game at Huddersfield but will be included in Richard Agar’s 21-man squad later today to face Rovers.
Commenting on the new deal, the 25-year-old said, “I was delighted to be offered a new deal and happy to have extended my contract with my home town club. I was under contract until 2023 anyway but having spoken to Kevin Sinfield, the club have always looked to reward players who do well with new deals and it has been nice to have that recognised.
“It is an exciting time for the club with a new generation of players coming into their prime years together over the next three or four years. I am excited to be back involved in the team. The injury was frustrating as I wanted to be on the field but it has given me a chance to work on a few things and I just can’t wait to get started.
“It is a big year for all the English players in Super League with a home World Cup on the horizon at the end of the year and I will be going out to do my best for Leeds every week to try and put myself in contention.”
Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield added, “We are pleased to be able to reward Ash with a new deal. He has been a shining light for the team over the last few seasons and is one of the best in the world in his position. We believe he is ready to move onto the next level of his career in the coming years and I am delighted he will do that as a Rhino.”
