Leeds Rhinos in focus - why youngster Tom Holroyd has a massive future

Injuries and fatigue are certain to take their toll, so the club with the strongest and deepest player pool is likely to come out on top at Old Trafford in November.

Against Huddersfield Giants last Sunday, Leeds Rhinos fielded an unchanged starting 13 from their previous game, a win over Toronto Wolfpack, five months earlier.

But coach Richard Agar has made it clear some fringe and young players will get an opportunity and near the front of the queue is teenage prop Tom Holroyd.

Here we assess what he brings to Rhinos’ 2020 squad.

Attributes:

Rhinos have high hopes for Holroyd who joined their academy set-up in 2017. Now 19, he was a National Cup and Yorkshire Cup winner in four different age groups with his community club Siddal, has represented England at under-16 and under-18 level and played in the academy’s Ashes whitewash of Australia Schoolboys in 2018.

He made his Rhinos debut two years ago and at 6ft 2ins tall and weighing more than 17 stone is an ideal build for a modern front-rower.

He is aggressive and carries the ball strongly.

Defining moment:

The Leeds youngster played in both 2018’s Tests against the Aussie Schoolboys, making a massive impact off the bench when England clinched the series with an 18-6 victory at Headingley.

Any win over Australia is a good one and to do it at such an early age will stand Holroyd in good stead for the future.

Best season:

Yet to come, but Holroyd got a taste of top-flight action last year when he made three substitute appearances for Leeds to go with one off the bench in 2018.

Concerns:

An ankle injury, broken foot and fractured wrist prevented him making more appearances last year.

Value:

Agar has described Holroyd as a “huge talent” and there’s little doubt - as long as he stays fit, keeps his feet on the ground and continues to learn - he has the potential to go all the way to full Test level.

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Thank you

Laura Collins