Leeds Rhinos prospect Muizz Mustapha signs new deal - but joins Hull KR on season-long loan

England academy forward Muizz Mustapha will spend 2021 with Betfred Super League rivals Hull KR - after signing a new two-year contract with Leeds Rhinos.
Muizz Mustapha in action for Rhinos against Catalans in September. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Muizz Mustapha in action for Rhinos against Catalans in September. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Muizz Mustapha in action for Rhinos against Catalans in September. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Mustapha, 20, played twice off the bench for Rhinos in Super League this year, after making his debut as a substitute in a Challenge Cup win over Workington Town last season.

He scored seven tries in as many appearances - two in the starting side - for Newcastle Thunder in 2019 and played twice with Dewsbury Rams on a similar deal, as well as once at Featherstone Rovers the previous season.

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A Hunslet Warriors product, Mustapha was promoted to Rhinos' full-time squad at the start of 2019, when he signed a two-year contract.

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “Muizz has worked incredibly hard this season with the first team squad and is ready to take the next step in his development.

"With no Reserve competition next season, Muizz has the confidence of a season long loan at Hull KR to continue his progress and the security of a contract for 2022.

"I look forward to seeing how he develops next season.”

Mustapha described the loan as "really exciting".

He insisted: "I'm going to thrive in the deep end.

"I like putting myself out there and doing the best that I can.

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"I want to do the best with the opportunity that I've been given and I'm really looking forward to it."

Rovers coach Tony Smith has a high opinion of the Nigeria-born front-rower.

"He’s a young guy that’s had a little taste of it at Leeds Rhinos," he said.

"It was brought to our attention that he was looking for an opportunity to break through and play some games.

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"We also identified him as a young talent that we can see develop through our program.

"He is a player that is very willing, very brave, he puts himself about.

"There’s a really exciting future for Muizz and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

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