The Rhinos have received a huge boost ahead of tonight’s meeting with the Wigan Warriors at the JJB Stadium. Gary Hetherington has given two young guns, Luke Burgess and Carl Ablett new contracts. It’s great news as there were quite substantial rumors that Luke Burgess was contemplating a move the Bulls at the end of the season.

Luke’s new contract will keep him at the club until 2011 (he had one year left on his current one), whilst Carl Ablett will be at the club for a further year. 

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Burgess said he was pleased to get things done early so he can concentrate on his rugby and cementing his place in the first team squad. He was also pleased that the club was so keen to keep him at the club for a further three years. No his main aim is to help the team get some silverware.

Carl Ablett said he was really pleased to be staying at the club for a further year. He also told the Yorkshire Evening Post that playing at centre for a large majority of this season has really developed other aspects of his game.

What a massive confidence boost this should be for not only Ablett and Burgess, but the rest of the team for tonight's clash, and it says great things for the Rhinos academy system and policy of keeping youngsters at the club. Surely this is another lift for Leeds' upcoming play off campaign.  

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

SPORTNETWORK SPECIALS