LEEDS RHINOS prospect Max Simpson has been hailed for his “incredible determination” to overcome injury torment and earn a new three-year contract.
The 21-year-old centre’s fresh terms keep him at the club until the end of 2029, and he’s now looking to compete for a regular first-team place next season.
But Simpson’s journey so far has been anything but smooth, going more than three years without playing a competitive game.
The first setback came in July 2022 when, during his fourth senior appearance away to Toulouse Olympique, he fractured an ankle.
He successfully completed his rehabilitation, only to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury in pre-season training which ruled him out of the 2023 season.
A series of setbacks and surgeries meant he played no part the following year either, and it took a rare operation in Sweden to finally get back on track.
After run-outs with the reserves team this summer, he returned to Super League action in August’s victory at Hull FC.
Further appearances against Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors whet the appetite and now Simpson wants to finally demonstrate the potential that saw him make his Leeds debut aged 17.
“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,” he said.
“The decision (to re-sign) 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.”
Simpson’s resilience has been hailed by Ian Blease, the Rhinos’ sporting director.
“Max is an outstanding young talent who has shown incredible determination to overcome the setbacks he’s faced,” said Blease.
“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: “The character he has shown to earn this new deal will stand him in good stead in the years ahead.”