Minchella delight at signing for Leeds Rhinos (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Minchella delight at signing for Leeds Rhinos

4:50pm Friday 31st August 2012 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Elliot Minchella has spoken of his delight after signing a two-year professional contract at Leeds Rhinos.

The highly-rated 16-year-old, from Clayton Heights in Bradford, left school this summer and now has the opportunity to make the first-team grade at Headingley.

He has completed a scholarship with the Rhinos and will alternate his time between training at Kirkstall and studying Sport Performance and Excellence at Leeds City College.

The loose forward or stand-off, who attended St Bedes Catholic Grammar school and formerly played for West Bowling , hails from a family of Bulls fans.

He was previously on the books at Odsal before switching to Leeds and has since been capped by England three times.

Minchella said: “I can’t believe it and am just absolutely delighted that all my hard work has paid off.

“Hopefully I can continue progressing during the next two years and it would be a dream come true to make the grade in Super League.

“Leeds are a great club to play for and have really looked after me, so it’s up to me now to make the most of this outstanding opportunity.”