Leeds Rhinos debut chance in Challenge Cup gives teenager Jarrod O’Connor extra motivation

The 19-year-old has been named in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad for the tie at St Helens, along with fellow youngster Sam Walters. Both players joined Rhinos’ academy from Widnes Vikings at the start of last season and will make their debut, if selected.

O’Connor had been in line to play in Betfred Super League games against Wakefield Trinity and Catalans Dragons before they were called off, and said: “It is good to know Rich [Agar, Rhinos’ coach] is considering me.

“The other week, even though the game was called off, knowing I could have made my debut makes me motivated, makes me keep pushing.

“I know if I do train hard enough he has got the faith in me to put me in there.”

Both games fell victim to Covid-19, but O’Connor knows the virus could also give him an opportunity at some stage.

“It’s disappointing, but you know stuff like that’s going to happen because of coronavirus,” he added.

“I have just got to keep pushing on and working hard because the games are coming thick and fast.

“All the young lads are pushing a bit harder now and upping it in training.

“That’s pushing the starting team lads to match the intensity and I think that’s shown in the past two games, the effort has been a bit more intense.”

O’Connor began his Leeds career in the academy before moving up to the full-time squad last autumn.

“Just getting more chance to train helps us all know our role,” he said of Rhinos’ young contingent.

“Everyone’s enjoying it, when we have to train hard we put our heads down, but we have a bit of enjoyment throughout the day.

“Not everything’s happy at the moment, so while we are here with the lads everyone just enjoys it.

“Last year I was with the academy, then trained with the first team towards the end of the year.

“Just having a full pre-season with the team and getting to know everyone properly helps get ready and build combinations for when I do play.”

At 5ft 11ins, O’Connor isn’t big for a modern forward, but takes inspiration from players of a similar build who have thrived in the NRL, as well as closer to home.

He said: “I like to look at all the smaller loose-forwards; in Australia there’s Victor Radley [Sydney Roosters], Cameron Murray [South Sydney] and Brandon Smith [Melbourne Storm].

“Over here, I like watching [Rhinos’] James Donaldson and what he does; he’s not the biggest forward, but I like the intensity he goes into games with and how hard he tackles and carries the ball.”

O’Connor’s father, Terry, played for Wigan Warriors and Great Britain and is now a pundit for Sky Sports.

“He tends to try to be more of a dad than a coach,” Jarrod said. “Obviously I go home and talk to him about training every day and he gives me little pointers after a game, but he knows - as a player - after a loss you don’t want to talk about it too much.

“It’s good he understands that, but he also helps motivate me and push me to be the best version of myself I can.

“During lockdown when I was training on my own he always tried to push me to train a bit harder.”

O’Connor senior could find himself commentating on O’Connor junior at some stage, and Jarrod admitted: “That’ll be a bit strange - he won’t be able to say anything too good or everyone will give him stick.

“But I think he’s looking forward to it. Especially when there’s no fans, I think he’s just excited to know he’ll be able to actually be in the stadium to watch me play.”

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