Leeds winger signs new contract

Leeds Rhinos leading try-scorer Ash Handley has signed a new four-year deal with the former Super League champions.

His new contract will see him remain at Emerald Headingley until at least the end of the 2023 season and sees him follow fellow youngsters Jack Walker and Harry Newman in signing a new deal.

The 23-year-old has scored 17 tries in 24 games this season, making him the fourth highest try-scorer overall in Super League this season.

Last Friday’s win over Huddersfield saw Handley celebrate his 100th game for the Rhinos, which he marked with two tries.

There’s no catching Ash Handley! ?‍♂️?@leedsrhinos lead 28-0 live on @SkySportsRL #SLHudLee pic.twitter.com/U2sxPF2SB8

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 2, 2019

“It is great to have my new deal finalised,” he told the Rhinos’ club website. “I am not someone who likes the negotiation process so I’m glad that’s all sorted and have my future settled.

“I am looking forward to being part of the future at the Rhinos and getting the club back to where it needs to be; winning trophies. This new group that is coming up has a great opportunity and I am looking forward to being part of it for the next four years.

“Players like Harry Newman, Jack Walker and Cameron Smith are playing every week now and they are still 20 or under, so it’s exciting. Once they get a bit of experience under their belts and we grow together, I think we will go really well.”

Leeds’ Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield added: “It is great news for the Rhinos that Ash has committed his future to the club. It has been a privilege to see him develop into the player he has become, and I am sure his best years are still ahead of him.

“To have amassed a century of appearances already at just 23 shows the consistency he has been able to produce so far and I look forward to him continuing to progress over the next four seasons.”