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Leeds Rhinos: I will do things my way - McShane
Rookie Paul McShane has pledged to be his own man this year, writes Peter Smith.
Danny Buderus’ departure to Newcastle Knights has left McShane as Rhinos’ most experienced specialist rake at just 22 and with only 34 first team games under his belt.
McShane, pictured, will wear Rhinos’ No 9 jersey for the first time in a competitive game tonight, when the champions open their Stobart Super League campaign at home to Hull KR.
He has big boots to fill, replacing former Australia captain Buderus, but McShane insisted he will do things his way.
“Bedsy is a legend of the game, a top pro and he has been there and done it,” McShane acknowledged. “I learned a lot off him.
“But we have different styles. I think I’ve just got to get on with my own game and play the way I play.”
The former Hunslet Parkside junior, who joined Leeds in 2006, insisted he isn’t taking a place in the 17 for granted.
He said: “I am still learning, but hopefully I can kick on and get more games than I did last season.
“It is good to have the No 9 jersey, but that doesn’t guarantee that I am going to play every week. There’s myself, Hoody (Liam Hood) and Rob (Burrow) who can all play at hooker.
“It is a big honour to get the No 9 shirt at such a young age, but I have still got to earn the right to be playing.”
Of Rhinos’ team prospects, McShane said: “Last year we started slowly. This year we need to have a good start and kick on and continue that throughout the year.
“Hull KR will be tough, they always throw a lot at us and it’s always a tricky game. I think it’ll be a good battle and hopefully we’ll get the two points.
“Pre-season has been really good. We’ve had a lot of time away together – the camp and going up to Whitehaven last week – and that has brought us closer together.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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