After leaving Toronto Wolfpack in 2020, Joe Mellor is back in Super League with Leigh. They will be making their third appearance in Rugby League’s top division for the first time, since their relegation in 2017.
At the end of an entire year without playing, he has enjoyed preseason with his new teammates.
“Preseason has been really good. It has been great to be with the lads, they have all been really welcoming. After the longest preseason I have had, I am now looking forward to getting back out on the field again”.
The scrum half is one of 11 new additions to the side in the off season. Each one will bring lots of Super League experience. None more than three-time Super League winner Ben Flower, who is well known for the eight years he spent at Wigan Warriors.
Joe said “Ben is a great asset to the squad, to have someone with the pedigree and experience he has in our pack is massive. He will be a big leader out on the field”.
With his former side Toronto Wolfpack dropping out of Super League early last year, Joe is yet to play a game without fans. He admitted it is going to be something he will have to get used to.
“My last game was before the first lockdown, against Huddersfield in the Challenge cup in March. So, playing without them is definitely something I am going to have to get used to. It will be very different not having them there to cheer the team on. But also, to not have my family there watching on from the stands is going to be weird”.
The Leythers are set to face Wigan Warriors in Round one. Mellor knows it’s going to be a tough game, but he is looking forward to the challenge. “I know it’s my old club but I look at every game the same. I am really excited to be back playing in Super League with Leigh. It is definitely going to be a tough test against a good Wigan side, but we have to just make sure we are ready for the challenge”.
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