Leeds sign England international Amy Hardcastle from St Helens

Leeds have pulled off a major coup ahead of the new Betfred Women’s Super League season by signing England star Amy Hardcastle from St Helens.

The 33-year-old, a stand-out performer in England’s run to the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup, said was was relishing the chance to link up with the defending champions.

Hardcastle said: “It’s exciting to be joining the Rhinos and I am looking forward to the new challenge.

“After the World Cup, I started looking at my options and thinking about what I wanted to do and considered, did I want to stay in the game, did I want to progress and I had to think about what would benefit myself and my family.

“Being closer to home was a factor for me and I still want to play at the best level that I possibly can, with a quality side as well.”

Leeds head coach Lois Forsell said: “Amy is a quality player with plenty of experience playing at the highest level.

“She is the only player to have won the treble twice – which is a remarkable achievement – and we know she has ambitions to win more.”

The Rhinos are one of two teams, along with the newly-rebranded York Valkyrie, who announced they would pay players performance-related bonuses for the first time next season.