Leeds Rhinos news: 'outstanding young talent' signs long-term deal after return from injury nightmare
One of Leeds Rhinos’ most highly-rated young prospects has signed a new long-term contract.
The deal will keep 21-year-old centre Max Simpson at Rhinos until the end of the 2029 Betfred Super League season. Simpson had one year remaining on his previous terms.
Signed from the Kippax community club, Simpson made his debut in 2022, but then spent more than three years on the casualty list before returning late last season. “I am very pleased to get my new deal sorted,” he said.
“It was coming up to the deadline where you’ve got to start getting into talks and it all happened pretty quick. To be fair, the decision was made pretty easy. I suppose when you get long injuries back-to-back, you worry where your future lies, having not played that much rugby, but it’s obviously encouraging the club have backed me and hopefully I can repay them now.”
Simpson is a possible successor to first-choice centre Harry Newman who will leave Rhinos at the end of 2026 to join NRL club Perth Bears. Simpson added: “My hope is to get as many minutes as I can before the season and fight for a place in the team as much as I can during the season.
“We have a crop of exciting young players in the squad now and I think that’s what this club and also the other successful clubs in Super League have done. They’ve brought through youth from their own systems. We had a group of young players that were a key part of their team for years and hopefully that’s what we can do again.”
Simpson paid tribute to club physio Dave Ferguson for his support through multiple rehabs following an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January, 2023. “He has been the biggest help in the last few years,” he said. “He has researched and taken me to see experts in London and Sweden and even now he’s always looking out for me and making sure I am doing everything right to stay on the field. I’m looking forward to hopefully playing more Super League and playing for Leeds Rhinos a lot more in the future.”
Rhinos coach Brad Arthur welcomed Simpson’s new contract. He said: “Max has unquestionable potential, but it has been a tough period for him to get back on the field. He doesn’t say much, but you can see how determined he is to succeed at his hometown club and the character he has shown to earn this new deal will stand him in good stead in the years ahead.
“He trains hard, he competes and he wants to learn. Keeping our best young talent is vital for building long-term success and Max absolutely fits that profile. We’re delighted he has committed his future to the Rhinos.”
Sporting director Ian Blease added: “Max is an outstanding young talent who has shown incredible determination to overcome the setbacks he has faced. His attitude, professionalism and commitment to improving himself embody exactly what we want at this club. We believe his best rugby is still ahead of him, and we’re excited to see him continue his development as a Leeds Rhinos player.”