Morgan Gannon reveals Leeds Rhinos youngster who impressed him against Wakefield Trinity

Morgan Gannon may only be 19, but he already has two full seasons under his belt and has a very old head on his young shoulders as shown by the fact coach Rohan Smith was willing to test him out in the halves yesterday against Wakefield Trinity.

Speaking after the game, Gannon underlined his maturity as he assessed the performance against Wakefield: “Very positive, towards the end the scoreline got away from us but overall we’re happy with what we put out there.”

He also had big praise for some of the young players alongside him:

“I thought all the young kids, Sam Walters and Tom Holroyd led us well from the middle. Levi Edwards out in the centre played really well today. Good for the club to see that many youngsters playing.

“He is very physical, he likes that side of the game, it’s good to see him ripping in.”

There are always differing views on festive friendlies, but Gannon himself enjoys the prospect:

“The earlier friendlies come, it feels like pre-season is over but there is plenty of work to be done. It is really exciting.

“It came at a good time, it was six weeks so to get a game on the back of it was good and now we can build into the new season from January.”

He did have to forego some chocolates on Christmas day to be ready for the game however:

“I had a few left over chocolates and stuff on Christmas day though.”