Leeds Rhinos loan capture James Harrison can make the Super League Grade says Featherstone Rovers teammate

James Harrison, right, gets to grips with his new Rhinos teammate Bodene Thompson during last year's Championship Grand Final. Picture by Vaughn Ridley/SWpix.com.

Harrison and Ferres have both joined Rhinos on an initial one-month loan after the Betfred Championship season was cancelled because of coronavirus.

Harrison, 24, is the son of former Great Britain prop-forward and Salford, Batley and Halifax coach Karl Harrison.

The second-rower began his career at Batley in 2016 and joined Rovers three years later.

He was part of Bradford Bulls’ academy, but the spell at Leeds is his first experience of full-time rugby league.

Ferres, who played for Leeds from 2016 to last year, said: “It is very different for me and James; I am at the later end of my career and he is just coming through.

“He has been a good Championship player for a couple of years and is progressing really well in that.

“He is certainly a stand-out in the Championship and you only have to look at the likes of [Warrington Wolves’] Chris Hill and people like that who have come through the Championship and gone on to have really good Super League careers and played international.”

Karl Harrison during his time as Batley coach. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Harrison played 28 times for Rovers last year, scoring seven tries.

Along with Rhinos’ Alex Sutcliffe and Callum McLelland, he featured in the Championship Grand Final when Rovers were beaten at Toronto Wolfpack.

Featherstone are Leeds’ partner club and their coach James Webster is an assistant to Rhinos boss Richard Agar.

Leeds-born Harrison - who has four tries to his name this year - has been on Rhinos’ radar for some time and the loan will give them an opportunity for a closer look. Ferres said he has to grasp his chance with both hands.

“For him it is really important he gets an opportunity in that environment,” added the former England back-rower.

“It’s good that Leeds are going to take a good look at him now.

“There’s a couple of months and potentially a few games for him to play for a contract.

“The ball is in his court, it is a great opportunity and I am delighted for him.”

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