Leeds Rhinos' Levi Edwards keen to impress coach Richard Agar in derby showdown with Bradford Bulls

Edwards has been included in a 20-man squad for Rhinos’ latest pre-season game, against Bradford Bulls at Odsal on Sunday.

The youngster was drafted into the England Knights squad at the end of last season, despite not having played a senior match for Leeds.

Though he wasn’t selected to face Jamaica at Castleford, the call up suggested he is regarded as a future star - and not just at Leeds.

Along with Morgan Gannon, who played 13 first team games last year, he was promoted straight into Rhinos’ full-time squad from their scholarship ahead of the 2021 campaign.

He did gain some first team experience on loan with Batley Bulldogs - as well as in Rhinos’ pre-season game at Huddersfield Giants - and reckons he is ready to play regularly against men.

“Hopefully I’ll get a bit of Super League, but if not, there’s dual-reg’ with Featherstone so hopefully I’ll get a lot of game time this year,” Edwards said.

“I just want to play, that’s all it is.

“I’ve trained a lot now, I just want to get out there and learn and play.

“For me, when I play I learn more.”

The former Batley Boys and Siddal junior got 40 minutes under his belt in Rhinos’ 30-22 win at Featherstone Rovers last week.

He played in the right-centre, alongside winger Mackenzie Turner who was the only player drafted in by Leeds from outside the full-time group.

They were up against Craig Hall - who has more than 200 Super League appearances to his name and was Championship player of the year in 2021 - and prolific try scorer Gareth Gale.

It was a steep learning curve, but Edwards reflected: “It was the start of pre-season really, getting back into it, but I thought we did well, especially Mackenzie.

“It was his first game and he went really well.”

Edwards added: “There’s a lot I need to improve on - and as a team - but it was good experience.

“To say I haven’t played any Super League, playing against men - Championship and ex-Super League players - is really good.

“I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Rhinos’ fringe players took over from the first-choice lineup at half-time last week and Agar will field another mainly young, inexperienced squad tomorrow.

Edwards, who turned 18 on Christmas Day, said: “The young lads have all got a lot of talent.

“I reckon we have got a good future ahead of us, in a couple of years when they all come through.”

On a personal note, he is keen to continue his development in the three-quarters, though can slot into the pack if required.

“I played a bit of second-row at academy level, but I think I’ll play centre now for a couple of years,” he added.

“When I fill out a bit I might play in the second-row, but I am enjoying it at centre.”

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