Leeds Rhinos news: massive boost as highly-rated young forward Zak Lloyd makes long-term contract decision
Teenager Zak Lloyd has been tipped as a Leeds Rhinos star of the future after signing a new long-term contract.
The 18-year-old made his first team debut against Toulouse Olympique at the end of July and has featured three times in Betfred Super League so far, earning rave reviews for his strong performances off the substitutes’ bench. His form was already attracting interest from clubs in the southern hemisphere NRL with new outfit Papua New Guinea Chiefs among those believed to be interested.
Now though, Lloyd has committed his immediate future to Leeds by penning a three-year deal which will keep him at the club until the end of 2029. The back-rower joined Rhinos’ academy system from the Siddal community club in Halifax and is in the initial squad for tomorrow’s (Saturday) huge home showdown with Wigan Warriors.
He said: “I am really happy to have signed a new three-year deal with Leeds.
“This is the club I have grown up wanting to play for and to know I will be here until at least the end of 2029 is a really proud moment for me and my family. I know I have still got a lot to learn and improve on, but I am really enjoying being around the first team and learning from the coaches and the senior players.
“My goal is to keep working hard, take my opportunities and hopefully repay the faith the club has shown in me. I am really excited about what the next few years can bring.”
Coach Brad Arthur hailed Lloyd, who had a spell on loan at Hunslet earlier this year, as “a young player with a lot of potential”. He said: “He has shown us he has the attitude and work ethic required to continue developing.
“He is learning every day and is improving in all areas of his game. The most important thing for Zak now is to keep working hard, keep learning and take his opportunities when they come.
“Leeds as a club should be proud of the pathways we have for developing young players and an important part of that is rewarding them with opportunities in Super League. I am looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years.”
Lloyd’s new deal has been high on sporting director Ian Blease’s agenda for several months. He insisted: “Zak is exactly the type of young player we want to retain and develop here at Leeds Rhinos.
“He has come through our pathway and has shown the potential to have a long and successful career in the game. Securing his future until the end of 2029 gives Zak the stability to continue his development within our environment. This is another important step in building the future of the Leeds Rhinos squad.”