Leeds Rhinos “hungry to win” as signing gives verdict after moving third

Leeds Rhinos forward Cooper Jenkins is enjoying the start of his Super League career, but admitted there’s plenty of competition for places.

Whilst Jenkins has started eight games as the Rhinos’ number eight, he was dropped for their round 11 clash against Hull FC before returning for their last game against Castleford Tigers.

Head coach Brad Arthur has a number of forwards to pick from, so Jenkins and the rest of the pack aren’t taking their spots for granted.

Speaking to the club’s media, the 23-year-old admitted that strength in depth is keeping them all motivated.

He said: “We’ve got great depth at the moment, and it’s hard to get a spot.

“I missed out last week, but a player like Sam (Lisone), he just brings such a difference, and he’s so hard to handle when he’s on.”

Lisone echoed Jenkins’ thoughts on just how good the Rhinos pack has been this season, and the duo are certainly in some fine form heading into he second half of the season.

Leeds have now won three games on the bounce, which was a target, according to Jenkins.

He added: “Our goal coming into the block of three games was to win them all and help to cement us a top three or four spot at the moment.

“I think we’re all clicking, and it helps having a couple of players back from injuries and a lot of competition to make the team. It’s making the boys hungry to win.”

Leeds Rhinos prop reflects on first visit to the Jungle and pride in his side’s defence

He was keen to praise Castleford’s efforts and said that his first visit to the Jungle was a memorable one.

He said: “It was a great win, my first game at Castleford, and it’s a different environment. We spoke all week about coming out here, just turning up.

“I thought it was a pretty professional performance from everyone today. It’s a great atmosphere, and it was good to get a win as well.

“We knew they were going to come out in the first twenty minutes and be tough. I feel like we did a good job of holding them out.

“We had a lot of sets on the line, so we held them well in the first twenty. I feel like at the back end of the game, it paid off from doing that.”