Leeds Rhinos have handed hooker Corey Johnson a new two-year contract. The 21-year-old returned to the Rhinos last summer after initially taking a break from the professional game at the beginning of the pandemic.
However, he has impressed the club since returning to full-time rugby and has now finalised his future with a new contract through to the end of the 2024 season. Johnson was named in Leeds' first-team squad this year and has made two appearances for the club, but has battled a knee injury for large periods of 2022 so far.
However, as he nears a return to full fitness, Johnson admits it is a relief to have his long-term future sorted. “I’ve been at the club since I was 14 and it’s where I want to carry on getting experience under my belt," he said. The coaching staff are great, all the boys are great and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d want to be.
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“This season has been a little bit of a struggle with injuries. I missed quite a bit of pre-season and then I’ve just come back from a 10 week injury with my MCL so it’s been a bit up and down in that regard but otherwise, it’s been really good. Just being back in the routine again now and being around the boys is great.
“Rohan Smith has come in and he is really experienced. All of the boys are loving it so I’m getting more and more experience from him and learning everything he has to offer. It’s a boost for my confidence that the club has got faith in me and faith that I can learn and improve still and I am looking forward to the next two seasons and beyond."
Head coach Rohan Smith added: “We are pleased to have agreed a new deal with Corey. It has been tough for him this season due to injury but he is a smart rugby player who is keen to learn. I am looking forward to working with him even more over the next two years.”
News of Johnson's new deal is the clearest sign yet that hooker Brad Dwyer will leave Headingley at the end of this season. His existing deal expires at the culmination of the current campaign and speculation has linked him with a move to St Helens.
