Defensive dynamo determined to keep putting in the big shifts

Hooker Jarrod O'Connor has made 172 tackles in Leeds Rhinos' last three games - and reckons he needs to work even harder.

- by Peter Smith

O'Connor has started nine successive games since Andy Ackers was injured in March, regularly playing the full 80 minutes.

He made 60 tackles in Rhinos' win against Hull FC last month, 51 in the following game at Castleford Tigers and 61 when Leeds beat Wakefield Trinity last time out. Despite that, his place could be under threat with Ackers expected to be back in contention for Saturday's visit of Warrington Wolves.

"I love playing 80 minutes," O'Connor stressed. "That's my aim and, when Ackers is back, it will be good to get us back in together and pushing each other, which is always a bonus.