York City Knights can confirm that teenager Toby Warren has signed for Leeds Rhinos after the clubs have agreed a deal that has seen him sign a four-year deal with the Betfred Super League club.
Warren, an Excel programme product, initially signed for the Knights on community dual-registration terms ahead of the 2021 campaign before signing his first professional contract with the Club early last season.
On Warren’s departure, Knights Head Coach James Ford said: “We’ve obviously got mixed feelings but, firstly, we’re really pleased for him. It’s great that his hard work and commitment to improving has been rewarded on numerous levels.
“He made his debut for his hometown club, he’s played at reserve and academy level for Leeds this year as well as representing Yorkshire Academy, earning a transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the country. I’m delighted for Toby and his family because of the opportunity that he now has in front of him.
“I’m pleased that this move reinforces that there is a pathway to the top for young talent in York and North Yorkshire to fulfil their ambitions. I’m sure that this will be a shot in the arm for the club to ensure the retention of our young players.
“There is also a touch of disappointment that we, at York, are losing one of our best young players. We identified him, developed him and put a lot of time and effort into his development. He was central to our short, medium and long-term plans.
“That said, he goes with our blessing. Both clubs came to an agreement and I’m sure I speak for everybody associated with the Club when I say that we are all really excited to see Toby Warren play for Leeds Rhinos at Headingley in front of ten or fifteen thousand people.”
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