Leeds Rhinos' Richie Myler happy to be staying after "honest chat"

The former England scrum-half was expected to leave when his deal expires at the end of the season with Toronto Wolfpack lining him up.

However, he has now agreed a new two-year deal with Rhinos that will see him stay until at least the end of the 2022 Betfred Super League season.

Myler’s Leeds prospects looked under threat when the club signed England No7 Luke Gale from Castleford Tigers ahead of the current campaign.

But the former Warrington Wolves player has proved to be one of their most influential performers for Richard Agar’s side, often coming off the bench but also showing his versatility by operating at hooker, half-back and, most recently, full-back.

The 30-year-old came back from a minor injury to score a hat-trick in Saturday’s 50-12 win over Salford Red Devils.

Now in his third season at Leeds after joining from Catalans Dragons, he said: “I'm glad that my future has finally been sorted.

“I'm loving the role that I've got at the moment and being a part of this team.

“I think we have such exciting prospects for this group. I love it here and I am over the moon to have my future sorted.

“Once I spoke to Richard Agar and Kevin Sinfield and talked about what my role within the team would be and what I can bring to the team, it was an easy decision for me.

“I've played half back throughout my whole career; that's all I've ever done and the only position I've ever known, but by the same token, I love also being in this team so there are different needs.”

Myler added: “The team needs and player needs are two different things and I've always been someone that has valued putting the team first.

“At the start of the year, I had a chat with Rich about what my role would be and what I can contribute to in the team and I feel I'm doing that every time I put a shirt on.

“Throughout my career, when I'm happy and enjoying it, I play my best rugby.

“Myself and Rich had a honest chat at the beginning of the year and I think that's what was needed really.

“It could have gone one of two ways and we both said let's make the best of what potentially could have been an awkward situation.

“We spoke about what the next couple of years is going to be, whether it is here or elsewhere for me and that has really given me an opportunity to make it really successful.”

Obviously, Toronto’s future is up in the air and Leeds are happy to see Myler extend his stay at the West Yorkshire club.

Rhinos director of rugby Sinfield added: “We are delighted to have agreed this new deal with Richie.

“He has shown his desire this season to perform at his best for the team, regardless of what role he is asked to play, and that makes him an invaluable asset to Richard Agar and the coaches.

“He is one of the most experienced players in Super League but at 30, he still has some great years ahead of him.

“He will also play a key role with our younger players as one of our leaders and I am sure we will see the best of him in the next two years.”