Former Wath Brow Hornet James Donaldson has signed a one-year deal with Leeds Rhinos.

The Cumbrian packman was let go by Hull KR at the end of last year after four years with the East Yorkshire side and then went to Headingley on a month’s trial with the Super League side.

And he has impressed his new coach Dave Furner in training and during his stint in Leeds’ Boxing Day clash with Wakefield.

“I am over the moon to have my contract situation all sorted,” he told the Leeds website. “It has been a tough few months for myself and my family but to have finally put pen to paper is a massive relief.

“There is no better way for me to start 2019 than to have agreed this new deal with the Rhinos. It is a really big opportunity for myself and I am looking forward to continuing to work hard to earn my spot in the team.

“My aim from day one has been to try and impress Dave Furner and the rest of the coaching staff here at the Rhinos. I am glad I got the opportunity to come and train with Leeds and, I would like to think that, I have taken that chance with both hands. I am looking forward to kicking on now and I am hoping to prove myself at a top team.

“It is a relief but the hard work starts now for me. What I do on the field is what counts.

"There is still a lot of improvement for us before the season starts in a couple of weeks but everyone is feeling good. We had a mini-camp together last week which was really good.

"It was tough but we got through a lot of work both on the field and in meetings as the coaching staff really clarified what they are looking for from the team this season. It was a chance to get away from the training ground and get to know the boys a bit more."