Leeds make another Championship swoop
Luis Roberts in action for Widnes | Photo: John Clifton/SWpix
Leeds have signed Wales international Luis Roberts from Leigh on a two-year deal.
Roberts, 20, was the Championship Young Player of the Year in 2021 while at Swinton and spent time on loan at Widnes last season.
He follows the recent signing of full-back Luke Hooley from Batley and Toby Warren from York, while they’ve also added back-rower Leon Ruan from Doncaster.
MORE: Leeds confirm signing of Championship star Luke Hooley
Coach Rohan Smith said: “Luis was one of the first players I started tracking in Championship when I arrived. Luis is a quality athlete, who is still growing. He has a great attitude towards improvement and is ready to take the next step in his career. The coaching staff and I are looking forward to him improving as a centre and a winger in his time at the Rhinos.”
Leigh-born Roberts came through the ranks at Salford, making two Super League appearances for the Red Devils.
He scored 10 tries in 20 appearances for Swinton in their relegation season in 2021, earning a move to his hometown club.
After being restricted to six games in the first part of the season, Roberts went on to score on try in eight games for Widnes, playing under national team coach John Kear.
“A different player”
Luis Roberts made his international debut for Wales in their mid-season test against France.
He said: “My time in the Championship has built me as a player and a person. Leaving Salford was gutting at the time but it has turned me into a different player now. There are good players in the Championship and it has tested me to come up against them every week.
“It is a massive boost for me knowing that I am being looked at by Rohan. I know he will help me be an even better player and hopefully I can take that into Super League.
“I like to think that I bring a lot of energy to the team and I am very passionate on the field; I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m looking forward to coming in for pre-season and working hard to be a better player. I know James McDonnell from Leigh and we have been talking to each other about being at Leeds, I am looking forward to working with him again.”