Leeds Rhinos begin the 2021 Super League season with a hard-fought victory against Yorkshire rivals Wakefield Trinity

Credit: Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft

The Rhinos fought back from a 16-4 deficit in the first half to lead 22-16 at the break, A second try for Tom Johnstone levelled the game at 22-22, before a late Jack Broadbent try gave Richard Agar’s side the perfect start to the season.

The Rhinos had a number of key absentees for their clash against Wakefield with Robert Lui, Jack Walker, Ash Handley and new signing Kyle Eastmond missing out. But it was Richie Myler who made the difference for Agar’s side.

In the off season Myler said he was prepared to play in any position asked of him- as long as he was on the field. But full back was the position he felt he could have the most impact from. He said he found it refreshing playing at full back instead of in the halves.

“It has been refreshing to be honest, because I have been playing in the half back role for 14 years, and what that commands, you have to be conscious of the whole team.

“Thankfully that pressure is now on Luke Gayle’s shoulders. It has given me a new lease of life, I have been able to think about my own game and what my strengths are and what I can bring to the team. That’s what I have been focusing on. I played at full back last year, but I have come in with the mindset this year of just being adaptable”.

The 30-year-old started at full back in his sides 28-22 victory over Wakefield Trinity, picking up a try and a stand out performance. Kyle Eastmond dropped out of the 19-man squad with talk of Myler or Sutcliffe filling in for the injured Robert Lui. Sutcliffe got the call with Myler playing at full back and it proved to be the right call, with the England International comfortable under the high ball and proving to be a real asset in attack.

After today’s performance Richie Myler must play at full back, as he showed the influence he has on the Rhinos team in both defense and attack.

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