Handley commits his future to hometown club

Leeds Rhinos star Ash Handley has committed his future to the club after agreeing a long term contract extension that will keep him at AMT Headingley at least until the end of the 2029 Betfred Super League season.

The 29-year-old centre was due to be out of contract at the end of next season but has now committed his future to the club. He enjoyed a testimonial in 2025 with the club after giving a decades service to the Rhinos and he has now extended his stay at his home town club. 

The England international has made 238 appearances for the Rhinos since making his debut in 2014. In 2025, he became co-captain with Cameron Smith and was an instrumental player in the up turn in form for the Rhinos under the leadership of Head Coach Brad Arthur. He missed just four games last season despite playing with a serious groin injury for most of the season.

Commenting on his new deal, Handley said: “I’m proud to re-sign with my home town club again. I feel like this was the right decision for me and my family at this time. There is still a lot I want to achieve here. 

“I thought we took some great strides forward this season but we need to go to the next level in 2026. We have got a talented group of players and a great coaching staff and I am already looking forward to the start of pre-season. I am pleased to commit my long term future to the club. I think we have got an exciting crop of young players coming through too and I want to be part of that progress over the next four years,” added Handley. 

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director, Ian Blease, added: “Ash has been an outstanding leader in our group for a number of years and it is great that he has committed the best part of his career to his home town club. He is a great example to our young players about what is needed from a professional and it is important for us to secure his services for the future.”

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach, Brad Arthur, also added: “What most people are not aware of is that Ash played through a fair amount of pain last season from a groin injury that he managed with our medical team to get him through the season because it meant so much for him to get the team back into the play offs and challenge once again for silverware. I am sure that, given a full off season and recovery for that injury, we will see even better things from Ash in 2026, which is a big statement considering how key he was for us last season. This is great news for the Rhinos for the years ahead.”