Rhinos sign 2017 Man of Steel Luke Gale

1 Oct 2019

Rhinos sign 2017 Man of Steel Luke Gale

Leeds Rhinos have signed a three-year contract with England international Luke Gale, 31, after agreeing an undisclosed transfer fee with Castleford Tigers.

The move brings Gale back to the club where his career began having joined the Rhinos Academy back in 2004. Fifteen years later he returns to Emerald Headingley having gained nine caps for England, including the 2017 World Cup Final, and won the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel in 2017. 

The half back left the Rhinos in 2008 to make a permanent move to Doncaster after a loan spell at the South Yorkshire club. He then moved to Harlequins RL to work with Brian McDermott between 2009 and 2011 before returning to West Yorkshire in 2012 with Bradford Bulls. In 2015 he switched to Castleford and has made over 100 appearances for the Tigers helping them to win the League Leaders Shield in 2017.

The Leeds-born player originally signed for the Rhinos from Middleton Marauders in 2003 and will now get the chance to fulfil his dream of playing for the Rhinos in Super League. He missed the entire 2019 season after rupturing an Achilles tendon in training.

Commenting on the signing Leeds Rhinos Director Kevin Sinfield said, “We are delighted to have secured a world class talent in Luke Gale especially as he already has a close bond to the club. I remember him during his days in the Academy and, having followed the journey of his career, it is great that he is coming back to Emerald Headingley.

“I would like to thank Jon Wells and the Castleford Tigers board for their professionalism throughout this process.

“Luke is someone who has shown incredible determination and self belief to succeed, whether that has been the challenges he faced early on his professional career or how he has dealt with injuries in recent years. He will be a great addition to our squad and offer a new direction for the Rhinos in 2020,?? added Sinfield.

Commenting on his move Luke Gale said, “I am delighted to be joining my home town club and very much looking forward to the next three years. I would like to say a massive thank you to Castleford Tigers for my five years at the club. Whilst the past two years have been frustrating due to injury, I will leave the club with many fond memories and lots of lifelong friendships.  I would like to thank the Castleford Board of Directors, the coaching staff, the fans and my team mates for the support they have given me, in particular our physio Matty Crowther who has gone above and beyond in recent years to get me back to full fitness.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of joining the Rhinos. Throughout my career, I have never been afraid to test myself and that challenge has always brought the best out of me. I am looking forward to pulling on the Rhinos shirt and cannot wait for next season to get started,?? added Gale.