Richard Agar makes feelings clear on Matt Prior's Leeds Rhinos future

[josie andrews]

The Australian is in the final year of his contract with the Rhinos, but he has an option to extend.

Richard Agar has revealed Leeds Rhinos are keen to take up the option on extending Matt Prior's contract beyond this season, and they expect the prop to make a decision on his future in the coming weeks.

Prior's existing contract with Leeds runs out at the end of this season, but the Australian has been in impressive form so far in 2021, typified by a standout display in the Rhinos' comprehensive victory at Castleford on Friday night.

Agar confirmed to Rugby League Live that Leeds are keen to keep Prior with the club for another season, but said that they remain relaxed about the situation. However, they have informed the 34-year-old they are keen to hear a final decision in the next month.

"We've got an option on Matty, and I think we're pretty keen to take it on," Agar said.

It's fair to say Matty is enjoying his rugby at the moment, and we're relaxed about it. He's very laid back about where he's at, and all we've asked of him is if he can let us know over the next few weeks or so.

"Because if things change, we've got an important position there and some decent cap space to boot. We're not panicking though, because if we were to fill that position from overseas we'd be confident we could, but the club and Matty are in real good dialogue. As far as I'm concerned, there's no real stress. As I say, we've got the option on him, and we're keen."

Agar also offered an update on the club's recruitment and retention plans for 2022 and beyond, saying: "Things are always ongoing.

Are we on the cusp of signing someone right now? No. Are we speaking to two or three players and their agents at a fairly in-depth level about the potential of signing next season? Yes. The market gets earlier and earlier - and by round six and seven over here, English players are wanting to know what they're doing next season. So it's all moving along as we speak."

However, Agar once again insisted that there were no plans to sign anyone mid-season - particularly an overseas player, given how they have no remaining spots on the quota.

"Not at this moment, no," he said. We've got no quota spots spare and salary-cap wise, there's not an abundance. But most importantly of all, we've got a lot of confidence in our squad."

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-20723854