Derrell Olpherts squad number at Leeds Rhinos seemingly confirmed with repercussions at centre and for star player

Some Leeds Rhinos players have started their pre-season in the club’s new look training gear for the next season.

Amongst those who have started training at the club ahead of next season is new signing Derrell Olpherts who joins the club for 2023 from the Castleford Tigers.

There has been a lot of speculation over where the winger will play having started his career at centre prior to moving to the wing at Salford Red Devils.

With Leeds still yet to sign a centre to replace Liam Sutcliffe, some wondered if Olpherts could take Sutcliffe’s number four shirt but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Olpherts pictured in training gear with the number 16 shirt.

https://twitter.com/DerrellOlphert1/status/1590782719948165127?s=20&t=YEu11UKq48xCRwkle-VdTA

16 was previously held by Richie Myler suggesting Myler will take the number one shirt after the departure of Jack Walker to Bradford Bulls.

Having been the club’s first choice fullback since 2020, it will definitely be deserved.

It also suggests that Leeds will sign a centre which is likely to be Nene MacDonald and his current club Leigh Leopards have responded to these rumours.

The number 16 shirt at Headingley has traditionally been held by forwards till now. Brett Ferres held it in 2019, Anthony Mullally in 2018, Brad Singleton in 2016-17, Mitch Achurch in 2015 and Ryan Bailey from 2007-16.