I'll play anywhere for Leeds Rhinos says rising star Callum McLelland

The 20-year-old made only his fourth appearance for Rhinos in the 66-12 thrashing of Toronto Wolfpack two days ago.

A specialist half-back, he came off the bench as back-up hooker and admitted that was a “different” experience to what he is used to.

“I really enjoyed it,” the Scotland international insisted. “It’s a new position, but I will play anywhere.”

With Jack Walker missing out due to injury, Richie Myler, who has been Leeds’ interchange number nine this season, started at full-back and that opened a space among the substitutes for McLelland. He added: “Wherever I play, whenever I am in the 17, it is a massive honour – especially for a club like Leeds.

“That’s what I have been working towards and hopefully I can start to cement a spot now.”

The former Castleford Tigers academy player has been a regular in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad this year, without making the 17, but playing weekly on dual-registeration for Featherstone ensured there was no ring rust.

“With Jack being injured, Richie played really well again at full-back,” he reflected. “That left a spot on the bench, luckily I got picked and hopefully I impressed Rich [Agar, Rhinos’ coach].

“I’ve not really played there before, I had 20 minutes for Scotland in a warm-up game, but that’s the first time I’ve played it professionally and it was tough.”

The acting-half has his hands on the ball more than any other player and McLelland enjoyed the involvement.

“You see it for a different perspective,” he said. “At half you can go with the play, but at hooker you are under fatigue quite a lot of the time and it was a different test to still look up and try and find numbers and the right person at the right time.”

Last year McLelland came into a struggling team who were involved in a relegation battle. It is a different story now with Leeds on a four-game winning run – their best sequence for three years.

Of playing in a confident team, he said: “It helps, definitely, especially as a young lad coming into a position where you need to be a leader.

“When you have got a forward pack who are doing all the hard yards and a back-field carrying the ball 60 metres upfield, it makes my job a lot easier.”

McLelland is highly rated by Rhinos’ management, but is prepared to bide his time.

“All the young lads want to play first team, that goes without saying,” he admitted. “But if I don’t get picked here I can go back to Featherstone and play high-quality Championship rugby.

“It’s a good standard, especially against the top teams. They have got a tough few weeks coming up against the likes of Leigh, York and Toulouse away so wherever I am playing I will be happy and hopefully I can just kick on now and get a few more opportunities this year.”

Meanwhile, Rhinos reserves meet Wigan Warriors at Stanningley today (noon).