Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar praised captain Ash Handley in their 20-18 win over Wakefield Trinity, highlighting a comparison to former Great Britain international Clive Sullivan.
The late great Sullivan, widely renowned in the world of rugby league, captained Great Britain in 1972 whilst playing on the wing.
Agar noted it is rare for players in such a position to feature as a captain but was delighted Handley successfully led his side back to winning ways.
Agar said, “Ash Handley was captain today. It was a bit of a throwback as it is not often a winger is a captain.
“Clive Sullivan famously captained some teams, Ziggy Niszczot captained South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 1980s if you remember.
“It is very rare but Ash is part of our senior group. He has come on leaps and bounds as a guy that leads by his actions and behaviour.
“We thought it would be a great experience and a real privilege for him. He is one of the guys who I thought carried us on his back for big periods in the game today.
“He might be leading try scorer again after his two today so a little bit unusual but I knew it would inspire him a little bit like it did with Brad Dwyer when we played at St Helens the other night.
“If we could get an extra 10% out of Ash, because of the pride and privilege of being a Leeds Rhinos captain, it would certainly contribute for us today.
“He is part of our senior group and does a very good job. I thought it was an accolade he has earned and one that just because of his position, it should not have been taken away from him.”
