Leeds Rhinos news: outside-back agrees new deal but faces long-term layoff after injury blow
A member of Leeds Rhinos’ full-time squad has agreed a new contract, but will miss the first part of the 2026 season with a long-term injury.
Rhinos have triggered an option in full-back/winger Alfie Edgell’s contract which will keep him at the club until the end of 2027. His previous deal was due to expire this autumn.
The new arrangement softens the blow of a thigh injury - suffered in Rhinos’ opening pre-season game, on Boxing Day - which will sideline the 21-year-old for 14-16 weeks. Edgell came through Rhinos’ youth system to make his first team debut in the final game of 2023.
He played 16 times the following year and - after recovering from a pre-season broken jaw - added eight more appearances in 2025 before his campaign was ended by a foot injury. The latest setback came in his comeback match, after he scored Rhinos’ opening try in an 18-10 win against Wakefield Trinity.
Edgell, a lifelong Rhinos fan, admitted the new deal is a boost following last month’s disappointment. He said: “It just gives you that bit of stability moving forwards. There’s no place I’d rather be than here, so I’m really, really happy.
“Obviously, I suffered the injury on Boxing Day and that’s frustrating, especially when I was really enjoying pre-season and being around the lads. Frustratingly, until last year I had never had any injuries. It has been a tough 12 months, however I will just make sure that I come back stronger from this setback.”
Leeds coach Brad Arthur added: “Alfie was looking sharp in pre-season and had taken a lot out of the last few months. It’s unfortunate he picked up the injury on Boxing Day, but I have no doubt he will do everything asked of him to get back on the field as soon as possible.”
Edgell’s new contract was welcomed by Rhinos’ sporting director Ian Blease. “Alfie is Leeds through and through and that really matters to us,” Blease stated.
“He’s a committed young player who has shown great resilience whenever he has faced challenges. This contract extension reflects our belief in Alfie and our confidence that he’ll come through his rehab and continue to grow as a player at this club.”