LEEDS Rhinos have signed forward Alex Mellor from the 2020 season on a three-year contract.

The Halifax-born forward is in his second season at Betfred Super League rivals Huddersfield Giants and has made 63 appearances since moving to the John Smith’s Stadium from Bradford Bulls in 2017.

This season he has scored seven tries in 14 appearances including a hat-trick in the Giants win over Castleford Tigers and has already equalled his tally from last season.

He is currently ninth in the leading tacklers chart in Super League with 94 tackles.

Mellor said: “I am really grateful for the opportunity to join Leeds Rhinos and I can’t wait to get started next season.

"I have had two fantastic years at Huddersfield and I am grateful for everything they have given me.

"Leeds is a great club and, whilst they are having a tough season so far, hopefully I can play my part in helping the team get back to where they belong.

"It is a huge club and I am excited about being part of the process to rebuild the club’s fortunes on the field.

"I live locally and, whilst I had a couple of offers to move elsewhere, Leeds was always my first choice.”

Kevin Sinfield, Rhinos' director of rugby, said, “We are delighted to have secured Alex on a long-term deal with the club.

"He is an exciting young English forward who has developed his game since returning to Super League with the Giants.

"Despite only being 24, he has over 100 senior appearances already and I am sure he will continue to progress within our system."