Signing contract extension an ‘easy decision’ says Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming

ENGLAND KNIGHTS hooker Kruise Leeming has become the second Leeds Rhinos player in three days to sign a new long-term contract.
By Peter Smith
Published 25th Mar 2021, 06:00 BST
Updated 25th Mar 2021, 20:34 BST
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The 25-year-old, whose previous deal was due to expire this autumn, has committed himself to Rhinos until the end of 2024.

Fellow forward James Donaldson’s contract extension, which is 12 months shorter, was announced on Tuesday.

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Leeming, who joined Rhinos from Huddersfield Giants in November, 2019, said agreeing new terms was an “easy decision”.

Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming has signed a contract extension keeping him at Emerald Headingley until 2024. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming has signed a contract extension keeping him at Emerald Headingley until 2024. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.
Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming has signed a contract extension keeping him at Emerald Headingley until 2024. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.

He said: “The staff, players and fans have made me feel so welcome.

“To renew after just one year at the club says a lot.

“I am overwhelmed and thankful to [coach] Richard Agar in particular for the faith he has shown in me.

“My job now is to repay that faith over the next four years.”

Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
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Rhinos kick off their Betfred Super League campaign against Wakefield Trinity at Emerald Headingley in two days’ time.

“I don’t think I have ever been this excited about the start of the season,” Leeming said.

“We had a successful year last year, but I haven’t played in front of the Leeds Rhinos fans yet and that is something I am desperate to do this season.”

He added: “I have had a good pre-season and feel the fittest and fastest I have ever felt.

"Easy decision," says Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming after signing contract extension. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia."Easy decision," says Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming after signing contract extension. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.
"Easy decision," says Leeds Rhinos hooker Kruise Leeming after signing contract extension. Picture: Tony Johnson/JPIMedia.

“Hopefully I can make 2021 my year.

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“Professional sport does have a cruel reality when it comes to contracts - if you don’t perform it can cost you your livelihood - so it is nice to be rewarded for my hard work and have that security with a long-term deal.

“It is a boost to my confidence to be able to build over the next few years.”

Agar welcomed Leeming’s commitment.

“I am pleased for Kruise, he is still only 25 and a player with great potential,” he said.

“We have got good competition for the hooking spot in the team and that is only good for the squad as a whole.

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“I think Kruise has worked hard to improve his game over the last season and I am sure he can continue that progression throughout 2021 and beyond.”

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Related topics:Kruise LeemingRichard AgarRhinosEngland

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