Leeds Rhinos announce lengthy contract extension for long-serving international star

Leeds Rhinos co-captain Ash Handley has given his side a major boost by signing a new long-term contract.

The deal will keep Handley, who is Rhinos’ longest-serving player and had a testimonial this year, at his home city club until the end of 2029.

The centre, who had a year remaining under his previous terms, insisted he is “proud” to have signed his latest arrangement.

Handley said: “I feel like this was the right decision for me and my family at this time.

“There is still a lot I want to achieve here. I thought we took some great strides forward this season, but we need to go to the next level in 2026.

“We have got a talented group of players and a great coaching staff and I am already looking forward to the start of pre-season.”

The 29-year-old joined Rhinos’ youth system from the local Oulton Raiders club and was appointed co-skipper, alongside Cameron Smith, at the start of 2025.

He made his debut in 2014 and has scored 134 tries and two goals in 238 appearances for Leeds.

The England international was a Challenge Cup winner in 2020 – scoring two tries in the Wembley decider against Salford Red Devils – and featured in the Grand Final loss to St Helens two years later.

“An outstanding leader” – Leeds Rhinos bosses credit star following contract extension

Along with young winger Riley Lumb, Handley is now Leeds’ longest-contracted player and he added: “I am pleased to commit my long term future to the club.

“I think we have an exciting crop of young players coming through and I want to be part of that progress over the next four years.”

Coach Brad Arthur paid tribute to Handley, particularly for his efforts in tough circumstances this year.

He stated: “What most people are not aware of is Ash played through a fair amount of pain last season from a groin injury.

“He managed [the injury] with our medical team to get him through the season because it meant so much for him to get the team back into the play-offs and challenge once again for silverware.

“I am sure that, given a full off-season and recovery for that injury, we will see even better things from Ash in 2026, which is a big statement considering how key he was for us last season. This is great news for the Rhinos for the years ahead.”

Sporting director Ian Blease said: “Ash has been an outstanding leader in our group for a number of years and it is great he has committed the best part of his career to his home town club.

“He is a great example to our young players about what is needed from a professional and it is important for us to secure his services for the future.”

Handley is the second re-signing announced by Leeds in as many days after full-back Lachie Miller penned a deal until the end of 2027.

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