Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Papua New Guinea captain Rhyse Martin has agreed a contract extension for 2022 that will keep him at Emerald Headingley next season.
Martin, 28, joined the Rhinos midway through the 2019 season from NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs and has now made 45 appearances for the Rhinos, scoring 372 points for the club. One of the most accurate kickers in Super League, this season Martin has an 83.72% success rate with the boot including 34 successive goals earlier this campaign.
Commenting on his new deal Martin said, “I am pleased to have got my future agreed. It took a bit longer than we all wanted but I am very happy to have got it sorted now and I’m looking forward to finishing this year without that on my mind and finishing the season strongly.
“There is a good spirit in the camp at the moment ahead of a big game against Hull FC this Saturday at the Magic Weekend. It feels like the play offs are starting early. They are in the same boat as us whereby every win is crucial. We have to focus on our performance and hopefully it will be one of the games of the season for us and we can get the win,” added Martin.
Leeds Rhinos have also confirmed that centre Konrad Hurrell and prop King Vuniyayawa have both turned down new contract offers from the club and will move on at the end of the current season.
Head Coach Richard Agar commented, “I am pleased for Rhyse that he has agreed a new deal. I know he has felt at home here at the Rhinos and is an integral part of our squad. His goal kicking has been a big asset to our team this season and he is a popular member of our group. He will be a big part of our squad next season as we look to build strength in our pack in particular.
“It is disappointing to see Konrad and King leave the club but that is the nature of a salary cap sport. They have been integral members of our squad this season and, in Konrad’s case, for a number of years.
“Konrad has been a fantastic player for Leeds Rhinos since he moved to Emerald Headingley. He has been a great team mate and personality and I know he has a wonderful rapport with our fans because of the passion he always brings to the Leeds Rhinos shirt.
“When King joined us we took a chance on him but he took a chance on us too. It is a credit to him and his work this year that he has now received multiple offers for his future. We fully understand he is looking after his longer term future with his next contract and, whilst we are sad to see him go, I am pleased for him.
“They will both have a big part to play this season within our group and will leave with our best wishes and thanks at the end of the campaign,” added Agar.