Coady pens Rhinos deal

Leeds Rhinos have signed centre Mike Coady from troubled Co-operative Championship club Doncaster.

The former England students rugby union player has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract but will stay on loan with Doncaster, who are currently in administration, for the rest of the season before linking up with the Super League champions at the end of the year.

The 22-year-old trainee maths teacher, who has been compared to Keith Senior, said: "Keith is one of the world's best centres so training and talking to him will be a big boost to me and help me adapt to life at the Rhinos."

He added: "It has all come about pretty quickly. I am looking forward to training in a professional environment with the great players that Leeds have. That can only help me develop my game and reach my full potential."

Coady scored four tries against London Skolars in only his third game for Doncaster in February but was then struck down by glandular fever, which kept him out of action for three months.

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "Michael is a work in progress but a very exciting prospect.

"He is a raw talent but he is physical, tough, brave, athletic and, most importantly, intelligent so I am sure he has all the attributes needed to make a success of his opportunity.

"He is a difficult player to tackle and can break the line so you can see why the comparisons to Keith have been made. If he achieves half as much as Keith has done during his career, we will be more than happy."