Sharp eyes big future for Rhinos teen

Lilley featured in Rhinos’ opening nine competitive games this season, but was left out of the side which lost to Hull KR last Friday following Danny McGuire’s return.

The 19-year-old instead played on dual-registration for Featherstone Rovers – and was the man of the match in a last-gasp 20-19 defeat by Halifax, scoring a try, three goals and a drop goal.

Sharp said: “He had an hour’s practice and I had half an hour with him in a classroom-type environment, showing him footage of how we play and the players.

“He picked it up in an hour. He’s a smart kid who’s tough and knows how to play the game.

“I was really impressed with him.

“He played in the halves and then went to nine and he tore them apart around the ruck area. He was really good.”

Rovers came through with no major new injuries and Sharp reflected: “We were disappointed to lose, but the positive was the performance.

“We made a couple too many errors in the first half, but I thought we were the better team. We are heading in the right direction.

“We had 15 fit players and two Leeds juniors and it was a magnificent effort against a team who played really well.”