Leeds Rhinos: Academy aces earn revised longer-term deals at Rhinos

Hooker Johnson, 17, joined Rhinos 12 months ago from Castleford Lock Lane.

His four-year deal will keep him at Emerald Headingley until the end of the 2022 campaign.

Trout, an 18-year-old second-rower from the Stanley Rangers club in Wakefield, has committed to Rhinos until the end of 2021.

Johnson, who can also play at half-back, said: “It is a boost to my confidence that the club have made that commitment to me.

“I didn’t expect to get so much game time in my first season, but when our hooker and captain Harvey Whiteley was injured it gave me an opportunity to prove myself.

“Our coaches, Rob Burrow and Jonny Wainhouse, have helped me massively.

“I will be concentrating on developing my game in the years ahead and knowing I have that four-year deal means I do not have to rush myself, panic and stress about whether I will get another contract in the short term. I have time to develop and improve myself.”

Trout described his long-term contract as a “dream come true”.

He said: “It is an opportunity I have been working towards since I was a little kid.

“I knew I still had another year to prove myself, but it nice to have all the hard work you do recognised when you get the chance to sign a year early.

“I have been around the first team for the odd training session which was a chance to get to know the senior players.

“Hopefully I can kick on when I start training full time with the first team for the start of pre-season.

“Obviously, that will be another level to the Academy, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”