Top-scorer Hall commits future to code and club

Super League's leading try-scorer last season has turned his back on approaches from rugby union to commit his long-term future to his club and his game.

Ryan Hall scored 31 tries for Leeds as they won the competition last year and there has been speculation that he could follow Lee Smith in a lucrative switch of codes. But now the 22-year-old winger has signed an extended four-year deal with the Rhinos. "I'm a rugby league player, I always have been and I can't see that changing in the future," said Hall, who also established himself as an England player last season. "People keep asking me if I can build on the achievements of last year, but I still know that there is a lot more for me to do in the game."

As well as his Leeds coach, Brian McClennan, his decision was also welcomed by the player who has nurtured him at the Rhinos, his centre partner, Keith Senior. "It is important for our game that we keep hold of people like Ryan," he said.