Boss Brad Arthur insists Leeds Rhinos’ are committed to bringing in quality signings, alongside promoting their best young players.

Teenager Zak Lloyd is set to make his first team debut in tomorrow’s (Friday) home game against Toulouse Olympique and new contracts for five other rookies, Ben Littlewood, Oliver Smart, Joe Diskin, Oscar Brown and Jacob Hardy, were announced this week. Rhinos have made no secret of their desire to build a team around their home-grown stars, but Arthur stressed they will also continue to bring in players from other clubs.

NRL duo Morgan Gannon and Dylan Walker have already signed on for next season and Rhinos are one of several teams chasing Cronulla Sharks prop Braden Hamlin. Arthur vowed: “The good thing about it is we are keeping a real clear direction available for our young guys, but Bleasey [sporting director Ian Blease] on the other hand is always looking to strengthen our roster.

Dylan Walker, with ball, will join Leeds Rhinos next season from Parramatta Eels. Picture by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

“We know we need to keep adding to the squad to make sure these young guys get the right development and they are playing in a better team. We are keeping options open for our young guys and not blocking their pathways, but we are certainly looking to be adding from external as well.”