Rhinos sign Whitehaven prop Amor

Amor was voted the Championship player of the month for May

Leeds Rhinos have beaten local rivals Huddersfield Giants to the signing of Whitehaven forward Kyle Amor on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 22-year-old prop will remain at Whitehaven for the rest of the season.

Rhinos head coach Brian McClennan told the club website: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Kyle Amor.

"Like Michael Coady, he is a player with a great deal of potential and we are looking forward to see how he can develop during pre-season."

"He is a strong player who has consistently delivered good performances for his team and we will be keeping a keen eye on him for the remainder of this season to see how he develops," he said.

I have given up a good job as a printer to follow my dream of playing in Super League but it is a risk worth taking

New Leeds Rhinos forward Kyle Amor

Amor said: "It is a dream come true. Just 12 months ago I was playing for my amateur side [Hensingham] and now I have agreed to join one of the most famous clubs in the world.

"I know there is still a lot of hard work to do and all I have done so far is just sign my name on a piece of paper but I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.

"I have given up a good job as a printer to follow my dream of playing in Super League but it is a risk worth taking."

The deal is a result of a partnership between Leeds and Whitehaven which will also see the Rhinos travel to Cumbria next year for a pre-season friendly at the Recreation Ground.

Amor was named the Championship player of the month for May, and his performances this season have been impressive in helping the Marras into the play-off places.

BBC Radio Cumbria commentator John Cox said: "The lad sees an opportunity here to go to one of the really big Super League sides and I think he's going to take it.

606: DEBATE

Is Kyle Amor ready for Super League?

"Gary Hetherington (Leeds Rhinos chief executive) is a very persuasive man, as well as a very astute man, and Gary wouldn't be taking someone who doesn't have his heart in it.

"I think there's a very good chance he will be here for next season as well, because there will be a new system in place next season.

"The Rugby Football League will be bringing in dual-registration, you can be a team-member in Whitehaven and in Leeds as well at the same time.

"He can take advantage of all the nice things down there, still play for Whitehaven at the weekends, and be a full-time player."