Academy Spotlight: Harley Thomas

Ahead of this week’s Under-18s opener and every week this season, we’re putting one of our Academy player under the spotlight to tell us about their journey in Rugby League so far and being part of the Rhinos family.

First up is Harley Thomas:

Bio

Name: Harley Thomas

Position: Full Back, Centre

"Going from scholarship to academy this year has been a big step but I think it's been going well. The boys have all connected since we've come up from a scholarship and it's been going well. We've all trained hard all season. It's like we've been through hell together."

Rhinos Scholarship

"Leeds has always been a club that I've aspired by and wanted to play for and dreamed of as a kid, so when I got offered a scholarship, I couldn't say no. 

I've supported them since I was young, so it's was a dream. Mark is a good coach and he led me along the way to get to where I am now. That culminated in last year, where we had a big season as a group. There was a lot of us that came through together and that's just a big part of it really.

"For 15 of us to make the next step into the Academy, I think it shows how dedicated and committed we all are. I feel like I’ve got a lot more learning to go and the Academy is the next step towards the first team."

Looking ahead to his first Academy season

"Even before the season has started, I think I've developed quite a bit. Having played at centre for most of my Leeds journey, I have aimed to improve my defence, but I've also been trying a few different positions out, like full back.

"It's good playing in different positions, it gives you a feel for different places and roles on the field. When you're at centre you feel surrounded in one place. But at full back, I have found that it is a good position to get around the field more and also get my hands on the ball a bit more.

"I think Saints are going to be a tough test for us first up, but I feel like if we play them, start the season and get the result that we all want, it'll put us on a high for the rest of the season. If we set the mark from the start I feel like put us in good stead and all the lads will have confidence to go a long way and stick together.

"I can't wait for the season to begin, I'm buzzing."