New two-year deal for Leeds Rhinos prospect Jack Broadbent

The 20-year-old former Batley Boys junior made his top-flight debut last year, after previously featuring in the Championship for Featherstone Rovers on dual-registration and loan at his hometown club Batley Bulldogs.

He made three appearances in 2020, two of them out of position at stand-off and has impressed both coach Richard Agar and assistant-boss Sean Long since preparations for the new campaign began last month.

“I’m flying in pre-season at the moment and I am loving it,” Broadbent said.

“I have been able to set some personal bests in the tests and gym work we do and that is giving me a lot of confidence for this year.

“I’ve never felt better and the challenge now is to try and stay fresh so I can keep striving forward every day.”

Broadbent faces stiff competition for a place in the centres, with Tongan Test star Konrad Hurrell and home-grown duo Liam Sutcliffe and Jack Walker all ahead of him in the queue. But Agar has vowed to give young players an opportunity when the time is right and Broadbent reckons he is better for last year’s experience against top-four clubs Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves and St Helens.

He reflected: “Making my debut was an amazing feeling.

“I have got my shirt up on my bedroom wall at home and walking past it every morning as I get ready to come to training reminds me what I am doing it all for.

“A year ago I was lucky enough to play in the Rob Burrow game in front of a full stadium and that feeling has stayed with me and I want to do everything I can to get that opportunity again.”

Agar has already spoken highly of Broadbent and welcomed his new contract.

“Jack is working incredibly hard in pre-season and has made a quality contribution to the group over the last year,” the coach said. “He thoroughly deserves his new contract and I am looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next two years.”

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