Leeds Rhinos: Coach Morley keen to see new Rhinos boys in action

Adrian MorleyAdrian Morley
Adrian Morley
LEEDS RHINOS academy coach Adrian Morley is hoping for big things from new signings Dan Waite-Pullan and Ellis Nuttall, writes PETER SMITH.

LEEDS RHINOS academy coach Adrian Morley is hoping for big things from new signings Dan Waite-Pullan and Ellis Nuttall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 18-year-olds, signed this week from Bradford Bulls and Halifax Elite Rugby Academy respectively, will feature in tomorrow’s final pre-season match at Doncaster and Morley said: “I’ve been impressed with them.

“They are big boys and hopefully they can show what they’ve been doing in training in the game.”

Doncaster, coached by ex-Batley Bulldogs boss Gary Thornton, beat Championship team Sheffield Eagles last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Their squad includes former Rhinos forward Jamie Thackeray and ex-Wigan and Hull prop Iafeta Paleaaesina alongside Jamaican international Aaron Jones-Bishop, a product of Leeds amateur club Milford Marlins.

Rhinos’ youngsters beat Doncaster’s Kingstone Press League One rivals Hunslet 
21-14 two weeks ago and Morley, a former Leeds player is expecting another “good test”.

He said: “I thought the boys gave a great account of themselves against Hunslet, particularly the under-19s and I’m looking forward to them showing me more of what they can do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There’s a few senior players in our squad, but it’s basically a team made up of under-19s.

“In the corresponding fixture last year they went with only two or three senior guys and ended up with a narrow victory, so hopefully we can replicate that.”

Morley has a 100 per cent winning record as a coach following Leeds’ success in the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Cup tie.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “I didn’t think I would dislike it by any means, but I am loving it more than I thought I would.

“I’ve got the bug, it’s great being back at Leeds and I am learning more and more every day off the senior coaches and I can’t wait for the season to start.

“Training has been great, but when you’ve got a goal to aim towards that makes it a lot more enjoyable.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds Rhinos (at Doncaster): from Baldwinson, Barraclough, Brady, Chapman-Smith, Darley, Hallas, Hartley, Jordan-Roberts, Lilley, McConnell, Mustapha, Newman, Nuttall, Oledzki, Schofield, A Sutcliffe, Trout, Waite-Pullen, Walker, Walters, Whiteley.

Referee: Tom Grant (Leeds).

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 3pm.