Great news.

Cane back from a number of injuries that threatened to ruin his career as a youngster to become an integral part of our success.

He's prone to the odd brain fart, and can sometimes be a bit of a penalty machine, but this can be forgiven, as it's always part of a massive effort for the team. A real 'players player' who will roll his sleeves up and give his absolute all for the team, regardless of the magnitude of the match, whether it be Salford at the Willows, or Saints at Old Trafford - you get the same effort and determination.

There are more skillful and naturally gifted players out there, but I'd take a JJB who'll run his blood to water everytime rather than a more skilful player who drifts in and out of games.

Always been one of my favourite players, had a great season this year. Hope he can have a good 3 more seasons, he wouldn't look right in another teams colours. Summed him up for me (cant remember who against) things weren't going our way and he went mental punching the post protectors!!

It was at Odsal at Easter...

One of my favourite players as well, and a top man - great to see him sign another deal!

A wonderful player, who not only is a workhorse, but also is more skillful than many give him credit for with good hands and an eye for an offload.

I knew someone when I was at Uni who was a 'fax fan, and her brother played with him at junior level, and she was of the opinion that JJB was no good, and that her brother was better, and that Leeds should have signed her brother.

I bet Leeds are really regretting that decision now

Mine too. Ever.

And to think that going back to around late 2003 I didn't think he'd make it at the top grade after his injury woes.

Great signing and can only agree with what's been posted above.
I will also add when players like Sinfield and co are interviewed they more often than not mention Jjb's work-rate and his worth to the team speaks volumes imo.

This is getting to be like an RIP thread with all the eulogy going on ... but I'll just join in.
His enthusiasm seems to lift the team whenever he comes on, he's never uncommitted or uninvolved and, from what I read, off the pitch he's one those cheerful and witty oddball characters that every team needs.

Unless her brother was Gareth Ellis

I'll agree with a couple of posts stating that he is not the most naturally gifted of players but he works his dangleberries off every time he pulls on his shirt.

One this that does go unnoticed with JJB is his ability to read a game, especially in defence - keep an eye out for him, when an attacker is adequately covered in the tackle he tends to get into the attacking line to prevent the pass or offload.

I too wondered whether he'd ever overcome his early injuries (hope yet for Watkins I trust) but I'm delighted that he has done.
His enthusiasm must be an example to all his teammates yet he can still infuriate when he messes around after a tackle & concedes a penalty.
But given his efforts to chase up after every kick that has to be forgiven.
I wonder what his future role will be at the club when he finally decides to hang up his boots?

Great clubman,great human being

Great news, great player, great lad. Attended a dinner recently where he was guest speaker. Actually very intelligent, articulate and entertaining. Month later sat with him at another sportsman's dinner. He's a credit to himself and the club.

He's a better player than some give him credit for as well and deserves his international recognition. One of England's better back rowers in the last tournament and certainly outshone the more illustrious Ellis and Heighingtingtontintonmackadangdom.

I'll admit, I thought he was undersized and ordinary circa 2001-2002 but began to realize how good he was late 2003 and he more than kicked on when Smith arrived.

I'll just dampen the positive vibe by reminding everyone that he was oft criticised on here in 2005/2006 when Smith asked him to play prop and was severely criticised on here as recently as the last 18 months by one poster who didn't rate him (mainly it seemed because of his mutton chops).

While I'm sure there were some, I recall more criticism of the decision to play him at prop than of the player himself.

The lamb chops shouldn't be criticised by anyone. They're the best thing to happen to RL since his massive beard. Which was ace and should be brought back.

Well said BB. One of my favourites too.

Aye. Everyone should be on the same page about this bloke.

I think me and thee would even struggle to come up with a barney on this thread.............

Yes with regard to JJB we have both been consistent in our opinions on his many and allround attributes.

my two fav memories of jjb, going toe to toe with sonny bill and co in the 05 wcc and him leading the leeds haka after the grand final this year. Great player, im sure if you cut him blue an amber would flow.

Over the history of the club there have been a group of players who can be described as Club men ..JJB is in that group

Buderus was always my first name on the teamsheet....but JJB was [ialways[/i up there in the top 3 for me.

Next season he has to be in the top 2.

The best British second row forward in Superleague, only Westwood gets close to him.

Great news for the Rhinos, JJB and us the fans.

i'm absolutely delighted that jjb has extended his career at the rhinos,he is one of the most wholehearted performers that i have ever seen in our colours,he also has a tremendous work ethic,sometimes players of his ilk go UN-noticed by the ordinary fan in the crowd,what he brings to our club is invaluable imo and it is due to players like him that we have been so successful

no points for guessing who my favorite player is

Came in for a lot of grief for his England selection from the majority of fans yet was easily one of the better performers in the 4N, honest player, fully committed, similar mould to Westwood.

Totally agree, but without the looks!

Agree with all above praise for JJB.

He's incredibly solid, hard-working and was probably the most consistent player for the Rhinos last season.
He's not always spectacular but every now and then he'll put in a real bone-crunching tackle or make a great unexpected break or offload. Always seems to surprise the opposition and lift the Rhinos when he does this.

Glad he's committed his career to the club.

Bone-crunching tackle - v Melbourne in 2008 WCC springs to mind first.

Offload - to Lee Smith in the GF of that year (bandaged head and all) spring to mind.