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One of Leeds Rhinos’ most highly-rated emerging players has signed a new long-term deal. Eighteen-year-old forward Zak Lloyd has been tipped as a star of the future after committing himself to Rhinos until the end of 2029. The back-rower had already been attracting interest from clubs in the southern hemisphere NRL, including new outfit Papua New Guinea Chiefs, despite making his Rhinos debut just five weeks ago. A product of the Siddal community club, Lloyd featured for the first time against Toulouse at the end of July and has made three appearances so far, earning rave reviews for his strong performances off the substitutes’ bench. Rhinos coach Brad Arthur hailed Lloyd as “a young player with a lot of potential”. He said: “He has shown us he has the attitude and work ethic required to continue developing. “He is learning every day and is improving in all areas of his game. The most important thing for Zak now is to keep working hard, keep learning and take his opportunities when they come. “Leeds as a club should be proud of the pathways we have for developing young players and an important part of that is rewarding them with opportunities in Super League. I am looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years.” RIP Sir Billy, under-the-radar challengers, Hull KR’s controversial call and more – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show Leeds Rhinos secure Zak Lloyd future despite NRL interest Lloyd’s new contract has been high on sporting director Ian Blease’s agenda for several months. He insisted: “Zak is exactly the type of young player we want to retain and develop here at Leeds Rhinos. “He has come through our pathway and has shown the potential to have a long and successful career in the game. “Securing his future until the end of 2029 gives Zak the stability to continue his development within our environment. “This is another important step in building the future of the Leeds Rhinos squad.” The player himself said: “I am really happy to have signed a new three-year deal with Leeds. “This is the club I have grown up wanting to play for and to know I will be here until at least the end of 2029 is a really proud moment for me and my family. “I know I have still got a lot to learn and improve on, but I am really enjoying being around the first team and learning from the coaches and the senior players. “My goal is to keep working hard, take my opportunities and hopefully repay the faith the club has shown in me. “I am really excited about what the next few years can bring.” Leeds Rhinos youngster Zak Lloyd has agreed a new three-year contract with the club which will keep him at AMT Headingley until at least the end of the 2029 Betfred Super League season. More https://t.co/lMy6e9jGjE pic.twitter.com/l7rElPKmzc— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 4, 2026