Adrian Morley admits there is added expectation on his son Leo Morley after Salford debut

It might have escaped your notice that yet another son of a Super League legend is beginning his rugby league journey.

Following in the footsteps of Umyla Hanley, Jack Sinfield and Will Pryce, there are a number of players in Super League academies who have rugby league in their blood and recently Adrian Morley’s son Leo Morley made his debut for Salford Red Devils’ Scholarship side.

Speaking on the Out of Your League podcast, Adrian explained that there is an added expectation on Leo and that in some ways he feels sorry for him:

“I’m not one of these parents who are overly encouraging of the kids or overly critical of the referee, I just like to watch the game.

“I feel sorry for him in that regards because everywhere since he was a kid he’s had ‘are you going to be better than your Dad’ and all that kind of thing.

“I think it’s something he’s learned to live with and it’s just part of life now, but I’ve got another son as well. Jonah’s seven and he’s just started playing so I’ve got another one on the conveyor belt.

“He’s only played five or six games but he’s pretty good especially because he’s got an older brother who’s been knocking holes out of him since he was a kid.

“He’s obsessed with it though, he wakes up and the first thing he does is put a Super League game on.”

However, Morley is pleased his sons are playing the game because he knows it can give you friends for life: “It’s great, I know what the game can teach you personally and also the friendships that you bond for life.

“I don’t see any of my schoolmates but the lads I played with when I was 13 at Eccles I’m still best mates with them lads, so you do forge a strong bond so I’m just delighted they’re playing.

“If they can make a career out of the game then brilliant but I’m just happy that they’re playing.”