Author: danielhawkhead

Workshop Task – Week One. Young Rhinos star aiming for big year after try scoring start to 2024

Rugby League side Leeds Rhinos running from left to right during a training session at AMT Headingley Stadium.

Leeds Rhinos face Hull KR this Sunday as both sides have one final test before the start of the upcoming Betfred Super League season on 14th February. 

Heading into the game, rising talent Luis Roberts is in red hot form, notably scoring tries in both of Leeds’ recent friendlies against Wakefield and Bradford. Speaking about his progress in his second year at the club, he revealed: “I’ve finally got a full pre-season under my belt and I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds.

“Sunday will be like a Super League game. I’m really looking forward to what we’re building on this year and what the future holds for me.”

Leeds Rhinos player Luis Roberts in training with his Rhinos team mates
Centre Luis Roberts is aiming for a big second season as a Rhinos player. Photo by Dan Hawkhead.
Leeds Rhinos player Luis Roberts in the centre of the frame surrounded by his Rhinos team mates during a training session.
Roberts is one of a number of growing young talents at Leeds Rhinos, along with Riley Lumb (to Roberts’ left) and Ash Handley (to Roberts’ right) Photo by Dan Hawkhead.
Leeds Rhinos first team in a group as they prepare for a training session on the field at Headingley Stadium.
The Rhinos have been working on both their on-field chemistry but also their attitudes towards each other as a team. Photo by Dan Hawkhead.

Sunday’s game is special in particular to James Donaldson, who has been honoured with a testimonial and all proceeds from the match will go to supporting his future. Although Roberts has only played nine times with Donaldson, the forward’s impact on the younger players has been invaluable.

“For what Donno [Donaldson] has done for the club and his career, we’re all excited to celebrate him,” said Roberts.

“When you look back at the start of his career and how as a Cumbrian lad, he moved to Bradford to risk it all, then went on to play for Hull KR and Leeds, where he has won a Challenge Cup. We all want to be someone like Donno and he’s someone us young lads look up to.”

With another top performance on Sunday, Roberts will hope to be definitely in the conversation for a shirt when round one comes around on a fortnight.