Leeds Rhinos have tied down one of their brightest young talents, winger Riley Lumb, to a new long-term contract that will see him remain at Headingley until the end of the 2029 season — the longest deal currently held by any player at the club.

The 20-year-old, a product of the Rhinos' esteemed academy, had two years remaining on his previous contract, signed last June. However, his outstanding performances at the start of the current campaign have earned him an extended commitment from the club.

Lumb first caught the eye during his debut last year, scoring two tries and earning a Man of the Match accolade in an impressive away victory over Hull FC. Since then, the Castleford-born winger has cemented his place in the senior side, featuring in all nine of Leeds’ competitive fixtures this season and crossing the try line six times.

Speaking after the announcement, Lumb expressed his delight at extending his stay with the club:

"I’m really enjoying my rugby at the minute. I’m playing week in, week out, and I’m really happy to be staying here. I’ve been with the Rhinos since my scholarship days, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’m here to win things, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this year — hopefully some silverware."

The young winger’s journey has been marked by hard work and opportunity. Initially, Lumb was not expecting to feature heavily this season following the high-profile signing of Fijian international Maika Sivo. However, Sivo’s season-ending injury created an opening, and Lumb has seized the opportunity with both hands.

"I wasn’t really expecting to play so much this year, especially with Maika coming over," Lumb added. "But with his unfortunate injury, I’ve been selected, and things have worked out for me. I’m just trying to improve every week. I meet regularly with Brad Arthur to work on both my defensive and attacking game, and I’m focused on making those improvements."

He also credited experienced teammate Ash Handley for his mentorship on and off the field:

"Ash has been a great influence. He talks to me about the little details that make a difference, and he’s always been a big help to me."

Arthur Hails Lumb’s Development

Leeds head coach Brad Arthur was full of praise for Lumb, highlighting the youngster’s dedication and rapid progression as key reasons for his contract extension.

"Riley thoroughly deserves this new deal after his efforts over the past year. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he’s a fast learner. Every challenge that’s come his way, he’s faced head-on, and he gets better every week because of it."

Arthur singled out Lumb’s mature display in last week’s match against Salford as further evidence of his growing stature within the squad:

"Even though he wasn’t on the scoresheet, it was one of his best games for us. His self-assurance and game maturity are becoming clear, and that comes from having the right attitude to improve, and listening to his coaches and teammates."

A Club Building for the Future

Lumb’s new deal was announced just 48 hours after the Rhinos confirmed the re-signing of second-rower James McDonnell, who has committed his future to the club until the end of the 2025 season.

Leeds' sporting director Ian Blease highlighted the significance of securing Lumb’s long-term future as part of the club’s strategy for sustained success.

"We’re very pleased to have secured Riley’s long-term future at the club. Building a competitive squad requires the right blend of youth and experience, and Riley is a shining example of our academy system producing Super League-ready talent."

"He’s now becoming a regular in the first team, but to his credit, he understands there’s still much to learn. With this new deal, he’s very much part of our future, and we’ll continue to support his development both on and off the field."

The announcement reaffirms Leeds Rhinos’ commitment to nurturing home-grown players while building a competitive squad capable of challenging for honours in the years ahead.