Leeds Rhinos today handed their fans an early Christmas present by confirming Man of Steel Jake Connor has committed his long-term future to the club.

Connor joined Rhinos from Huddersfield Giants 13 months ago on a two-year deal and had an outstanding first season, being named Leeds’ player of the year, selected in the Betfred Super League Dream Team and winning the prestigious Man of Steel award.

The 31-year-old was free to talk to rival clubs from the start of this month, but the new three-year contract ends speculation over his future. Connor insisted the extension was a “no-brainer”. He said: “I only signed originally for two years so I was coming into the last year of my deal and I am just glad to get something over the line and extend.

“We spoke about, when I first came here, there was a chance to play my way into the team and hopefully get the reward at the end of it with an extension. I love the club and being here, so it was a no-brainer for me to stay.”

Leeds Rhinos' player of the year Jake Connor has signed a new long-term contract. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos' player of the year Jake Connor has signed a new long-term contract. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Connor was signed as a utility player and wore the number 18 jersey in his first season. After beginning the year at full-back, he switched to scrum-half following Lachie Miller’s return from injury and ended the campaign with a tally of 219 points, from eight tries and 93 goals, in 28 appearances.

“Being here has brought me back to my best,” he said. “I’m enjoying it and you can see that on the field. We want to create something special and I want to be part of it. It’s a lengthy deal and I want to repay the club for that. Hopefully, my best years are still to come.”

Connor added: “Looking back to this time last year, I am more settled now. I am playing the seven role and taking control of the team. I feel more comfortable doing that this year and we’re in a better place as a team moving forward.

Leeds Rhinos news: 'outstanding young talent' signs long-term deal after return ...

Jake Connor kicked 93 goals for Leeds Rhinos last season. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“When I came to the club, all the staff and all the players wanted to help me get better. We want to create something special here and that’s why I decided to extend.”

Coach Brad Arthur hailed Connor for his performances and attitude since joining Leeds. He said: “Jake has been outstanding in how he has applied himself. He has taken ownership of the team, embraced the style we want to play and become a key voice in our group.

“He has consistently performed at the highest level for the Rhinos each week and securing his future is a big step for us as we build stability and a core that can grow together. We’re excited about what’s ahead with Jake leading us around the park.”

The deal was negotiated by Rhinos’ sporting director Ian Blease, who is now heading back to England from a recruitment mission in Australia. He enthused: “Jake has shown exceptional maturity and leadership since arriving at the Rhinos. His ability to control a game, combined with his competitiveness and creativity, makes him one of the most impactful halves in Super League. This contract reflects the belief we have in him and the role he will play in driving this club forward.”

Jake Connor this year became the fifth Leeds Rhinos player to be named Man of Steel. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Connor’s contract is the second announced by Rhinos within 24 hours, following news 21-year-old centre Max Simpson has committed himself to the club until the end of 2029. Both players will join the first team squad at a warm weather training camp in Tenerife next week and could feature in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity on Boxing Day.