Leeds Rhinos have moved to secure the long-term future of talented young centre Max Simpson ahead of the 2026 Super League season.
Simpson was entering the final year of his contract with the Rhinos but the extended three-year deal ensures the 21-year-old will be with the club until the end of the 2029 Super League season.
The outside back is extremely highly rated at Leeds, but a series of injuries have significantly stunted his progress in the first-team picture at Headingley. He made his debut for the Rhinos in 2022 but a series of serious injury setbacks ensured he spent over three years on the sidelines prior to featuring against Hull FC in August.
Simpson had to be stretchered off at the MKM Stadium with neck injury fears, but he was cleared of any damage and he went on to play twice more in blue and amber before the end of the season.
And, the new deal shows just how highly he is rated at Headingley, with the club tying him down until he’s 25.
Max Simpson on his new Leeds Rhinos deal
“I am very pleased to get my new deal sorted as it was coming up to the deadline where you’ve got to start getting into talks and it all happened pretty quick,” Simpson said.
“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 that the club have backed me and hopefully I can repay them now.”
“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 got 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.”
He added: “I owe a lot of thanks to our physio Dave Ferguson. He has been the biggest help in the last few years. He’s 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.”
Sporting director Ian Blease said: “Max is an outstanding young talent who has shown incredible determination to overcome the setbacks he’s 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.”
Head coach Brad Arthur added: “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’s committed his future to the Rhinos.”
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