Super League

Exclusive: The role Ian Watson played in guiding Leeds Rhinos signing Luis Roberts’ career after Salford Red Devils exit

by
Cam Pattison
October 19, 2022

Yesterday, Leeds Rhinos confirmed the latest of their exciting young signings from the Championship in the shape of Leigh winger Luis Roberts.

Roberts has been on one hell of a journey to get to where he is today starting at Salford where the pandemic spelt the end of his career at the AJ Bell Stadium.

However, after playing two games due to the pandemic in a strange 2020 season, it was something that then coach and now Huddersfield Giants boss said to him that led to the direction his career would take.

He made the move to Swinton after this being crowned Championship Young Player of the Year before moving to Leigh and now getting his big move to eight-time Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos but it all stems from a conversation he had with Watson.

“When Salford said there wasn’t a place for me after covid hit and the reserves were abandoned, I was gutted as that was where I had felt at home since joining at 14,” Roberts told Serious About Rugby League.

“Then out of the blue I got a call up to the first team on three days’ notice and hadn’t even been training with the team due to covid rules and I played two games in Super League.

“After that Ian Watson inspired me and said I should go and get some experience playing against men.

“I contacted Stu and we met up had a chat and he said he would give me a go at Swinton.

“Then when the chance came, I took a hold of it and didn’t want to let go of that position.”

And that helped lead him to Leeds where he is hoping to make a big impression after revealing the role Rohan Smith played in the move:

“I met with Rohan and I had a connection with him straight away.

“I speak with him so much, it’s something that I really appreciate as it’s a big move from Leigh to Leeds away from my family and friends but it’s all about the team and the job in hand.

“I want to show more of what I can do and hope to impress Rohan and help Leeds get to the big finals.”