Carl Ablett signs long-term deal with Leeds Rhinos

Leeds second row forward Carl Ablett has signed a new five-year contract with the champions.

The 26-year-old, who made his 150th appearance for the club in the win over Bradford at the Magic Weekend last Sunday, had another two-and-a-half seasons left on his current deal but is now commited to the Rhinos until the end of 2016.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: "I think Carl is one of the unsung stars of our game at present but he is certainly highly appreciated by everyone at the Rhinos, as this new contract shows.

"He is consistently one of our top performers every week and I think he could certainly step up to the next level and do that for his country as well."

Ablett postponed his stag do last year after being called up for England's Four Nations campaign, although he did not get a game.

"I am really pleased to have signed this long-term contract and I think it signals the next stage of my career here at the Rhinos," he said.

"We have had some great success in recent times but I think the club have done a great job in building for the future with a number of the guys on long contracts now."

PA