Leeds Rhinos have signed Wakefield prop Jay Pitts on a three-and-a-half year contract with immediate effect.

The Super League champions have agreed an undisclosed fee with Wakefield for the 19-year-old.

Pitts told BBC Radio Leeds: "I'm honoured really - it's a childhood dream and a massive step.

"Wakefield have done so much for me and it's a massive risk because I was around the first team so I've got a lot of work to do here."

"I'll start working hard in the reserves and try to make a name for myself and get recognised from there."

He has joined us with immediate effect and that will give us some more strength in depth Brian McClennan

Pitts played his final game as a Wildcats player last Saturday against the Rhinos reserve academy at Belle Vue.

He has made 13 appearances this season for the Wildcats after making seven outings in his debut season in 2008.

He made his Super League debut against Wigan at the JJB Stadium in March of that season and has so far scored two tries in Super League.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Leeds signing Pitts

Earlier in his career he played for Yorkshire and England and was due to be out of contract with the Wildcats at the end of the current season.

Rhinos coach Brian McClennan told the club website: "He has impressed us with his performances for the Wildcats over the past two years and when he has played against us in the reserve academy or the Festive Challenge matches against Wakefield.

"He has joined us with immediate effect and that will give us some more strength in depth.

"He will do some physical testing with our fitness staff this week and we will make a decision after that when he will make his first appearance as a Rhino."

Pitts is the third signing for the Rhinos for next season with centre Michael Coady joining from Doncaster and prop Kyle Amor signed from Whitehaven.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version