Leeds Rhinos have signed Wakefield's teenage forward Jay Pitts on a three-and-half-year contract.

The Super League champions have paid an undisclosed fee for the 19-year-old, who will join them immediately.

Pitts, who appeared in 15 of the Wildcats' opening 16 League and Cup matches this year, was out of contract at the end of the season and rejected an offer to stay at Belle Vue.

"This is a dream come true for me, having been a season-ticket holder at the Rhinos when I was a kid," he said.

"I am extremely grateful to Wakefield for all the help and support they have given me down the years and I know I still have a big challenge in front of me here at Leeds to prove to my team-mates and the coaches that I am worthy of a place in the first team."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "He has impressed us with his performances for the Wildcats over the past two years and when he has played against us.

"He has joined us with immediate effect and that will give us some more strength in depth. He will do some physical testing with our fitness staff this week and we will make a decision after that when he will make his first appearance."