Leeds Rhinos forward Morgan Gannon had arguably one of the worst 2024 seasons of any Super League player.
That’s because he spent the entire 2024 Super League season battling concussion, after a number of them in a short period of time the previous year. Saturday’s game against Wakefield was Gannon’s first Super League appearance in 512 days.
Because of that, he’s more determined than ever to repay the faith that Leeds have had in him for the 2025 season.
He said: “It was good to be back, it’s been a while since I’ve played a Super League game. I felt pretty nervous but excited as well.
“Obviously, I played in the last couple of friendlies and got a taste for it.
“For round one, it’s a different beast but it would’ve been a lot better if we’d have got the win.
Gannon thought his Leeds team showed promises throughout their 14-12 loss to Wakefield Trinity but admitted they’re still finding their groove.
He said: “I thought the effort was good but we just weren’t on the same page for a few important times so that cost us in the end.”
“I think our attack wasn’t what we’ve been doing in the pre-season, it just got a bit clunky and erratic but we definitely did create some chances, which is positive.
“We definitely got in the arm wrestle with them, a couple of yardage penalties hurt us and cost us field position. If we can cut out a few of them then I think we’re definitely in the fight,” he added.
Leeds pre-season talk has been all about their need to improve on those effort areas and the Leeds Rhinos forward admits it still needs to be worked on.
He added: “I know we’re wanting to pride ourselves this year on our physicality so I think a lot of teams are looking to do that.
“We just need to take it up that notch and really take it to some teams.
“There’s definitely a lot more scope for improving and building week on week and taking it all the way to the end of the year,” he finished.
Gannon and his Leeds teammates will look to fight back from their Wakefield loss on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Salford.
