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Rugby League

Champions unchanged for 2008

01/11/2007

Super League champions Leeds Rhinos have agreed a new contract with forward Carl Ablett, meaning their squad will be unchanged for the 2008 season.

The 21-year-old, who played 13 first-team matches this year including the grand final win over St Helens, has agreed a 12-month extension to his existing deal, which was set to expire in the off-season.

Ablett's signing means new head coach Brian McClennan is the only change to the squad.

He replaces former coach Tony Smith, who has left to take full-time charge of the Great Britain and England national sides.

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said the fact that the club has retained the services of all its 2007 playing staff was indicative of the all-round quality in the squad and the importance of continuity.

And he also acknowledged the progress made by Ablett, who is one of the junior members of the Rhinos' league-champion squad.

"We have extended Carl's arrangement to the end of 2008. That is an acknowledgement of the progress he has made," said Hetherington.

"He played 13 first-team games this year, he got an opportunity midway through the season and he took it with both hands.

"He looked every bit a Super League player and that is a real credit to him."

Ablett has undergone an operation on his shoulder but he is expected to be back in time for the Tetley's Festive Challenge on Boxing Day against Wakefield Wildcats.