Leeds Rhinos have secured rising star Cameron Smith, 21, on a new three year contract that will keep him at Emerald Headingley until at least the end of the 2023 Betfred Super League season.

Smith made his debut back in 2016 but has become a mainstay of Richard Agar’s side this season as the Rhinos leading tackler. He has crossed for three tries in five appearances in 2020 having played for England Knights last season.

Commenting on the new deal Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said, “We are delighted to have agreed a new long term contract with Cameron. I think it is great news for us and also Super League to be keeping one of our best young players in our competition.

“Cameron worked incredibly hard during pre-season and he is really thriving under Richard Agar’s leadership. He has been one of number of outstanding young players in our side at the start of the season and he thoroughly deserves this new deal.

“We are developing an exciting crop of young players who have all agreed long term deals with the club. Alongside Cameron are Jack Walker, Harry Newman and Mikolaj Oledzki who are all in their early 20s and playing regularly in Super League. We want to see them grow, along with another outstanding crop of young players just below them in terms of experience, and forge the future for the Rhinos,” added Sinfield.

Smith, who joined the Rhinos from school having played at Castleford Panthers, says he is looking forward to building on a strong start to the season with Leeds. He added, “It is great to have my new contract sorted. Leeds has been my only club and as a group we want to try and achieve something special here. I am over the moon and want to commit everything I have got to the club for the next three years and hopefully beyond. There is a real good feeling when we are playing and the opportunity to keep doing that in the years ahead is something that I am looking forward to.”