After three years at Headingley, Alex Mellor’s Leeds career looks to be over.
After Rugby League Live reported that he was set to join Castleford Tigers, he told Serious About Rugby League exclusively that he would be a Tiger in 2023.
This revelation came whilst Alex Mellor was out injured after some good performances out of position in the centres for Leeds, a decision which speaks to the reason he may be looking for opportunities elsewhere.
The Rhinos have such strength in depth in the second-row with James Bentley joining the club ahead of this year whilst Morgan Gannon looks like the future of the position. Rhyse Martin is having a great season and Bodene Thompson played well in the role against Warrington. Sam Walters is another young option for Leeds in this position.
So, it’s unsurprising that Mellor has taken an exciting opportunity as Cas, but he insists that his focus is playing for Leeds now.
When speaking to the Rhinos’ YouTube he outlined his intentions to play at his best despite speculation surrounding his future: “Just a case of building confidence up with it and getting where I need to be. I don’t want to come back and play not at my best. I need to put my best foot forward and do my best for this team.
“People are going to be at different places next year. That’s the case in rugby league. You never keep a team together longer than a year. Individuals are doing different things, we all know that but for this year, especially myself, we’re all focused on playing well for this team.
“First case is making the play-offs, next step is how far we can go.”
He may have his chance to prove just that having been named in the Rhinos 21-man squad for the trip to former club Huddersfield on Friday. A timely return after Morgan Gannon’s head injury.
You can watch the whole interview here:
