Worrall, Simon

Simon WORRALL [Player Stats]


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Worrall agrees to new deal with Rhinos
Fri September 5, 2008
by Matthew O'Neill
Source: www.leedsrugby.com

World Champions Leeds Rhinos have announced that forward Simon Worrall, 23, has agreed a new one year deal with the club.

Worrall switched codes from sister club Leeds Carnegie back in 2007 having never previously played Rugby League. He made his debut less than a year later in February of this year and has since gone on to play 14 games for the Rhinos, scoring one try. Worrall was recently given the status of a club-trained player for Leeds by the Rugby Football League for next season despite not having come through the Rhinos academy structure.

Commenting on his new contract the Doncaster-born forward said, "I am really pleased to have agreed the new deal. Once my status was cleared up by the RFL, Leeds approached me about a new contract and staying at the Rhinos is what I wanted. It is a great opportunity for me to have another year at the club and work with Brian McClennan, Francis Cummins and Willie Poching to keep developing my game. I owe a big debt of thanks to our Conditioner Jason Davidson who has helped to convert me into a Rugby League player and our physio Meirion Jones, without whom I might not have got this contract. I have been struggling with a shoulder injury in recent months and Mei has looked after me and made sure I could get back out on the field and earn a new deal, so I am very grateful for that.

"If I look back to this time last year, it seemed a long way off for me to have earned a new contract with the Rhinos. I have played 14 games in the first team this year so far but I know I still have a lot to learn. It comes down to working hard and believing that something will happen. I stayed behind in pre-season when the team went away and did everything I could to get into the first team squad and I am delighted with how things have worked out. When I first got in the team it was initially because of injuries in the squad, however, I think I am there on merit now and being awarded a new contract is a big confidence boost for me. I want to get bigger and better next season, I know I need to bulk up in pre-season, my shoulder has restricted the amount of weights I can do this year, but hopefully that will be sorted out and I can concentrate on improving even more," added Worrall.

Head Coach Brian McClennan commented, "Simon has got a fantastic attitude which is a catalyst for him to continuing to improve. He only came over from Leeds Carnegie last year and how far he has improved is testament to his dedication. His switch is a remarkable achievement and a good example that if you apply yourself and you are prepared to listen and learn off your coaches and team mates, you can make progress. He is looking to keep improving and he is a terrific person to have in the camp. He is so enthusiastic and is very popular amongst the players who trust him that he is always going to give his best. That is a great trait to have and he is someone we are glad to have in our squad."

News Source: www.leedsrugby.com

====================================================================================================== 2008 engage English Super League Leeds Rhinos 12 games; 1 tries, 4 points. [View] Round 6 [14 Mar 08] W 48-0 v Harlequins (H). [BE] [View] Round 7 [20 Mar 08] W 44-2 v Bradford (H). [BE] [View] Round 9 [28 Mar 08] W 14-10 v St Helens (A). [BE] [View] Round 10 [05 Apr 08] L 10-14 v Wigan (H). [LK] [View] Round 12 [25 Apr 08] W 36-22 v Hull KR (A). [SR] [View] Round 13 [03 May 08] W 40-26 v Bradford. [BE] [View] Round 14 [16 May 08] W 58-12 v Wakefield (H). [BE] 4 Pts; 1t [View] Round 17 [14 Jun 08] L 24-28 v Harlequins (A). [BE] [View] Round 19 [28 Jun 08] W 18-12 v Castleford (H). [LK] [View] Round 23 [02 Aug 08] L 12-22 v Warrington (A). [BE] [View] Round 24 [08 Aug 08] W 28-18 v Bradford (H). [BE] [View] Round 26 [22 Aug 08] W 52-16 v Wigan (A). [BE] ======================================================================================================

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