Arthur: Gannon's 'tough' approach proves he's got credentials for NRL

Second-rower Morgan Gannon's 'tough' Leeds Rhinos comeback highlighted his NRL credentials, boss Brad Arthur reckons.

- by Peter Smith

Gannon returned from five matches on the sidelines with an ankle injury when Rhinos hit back from 8-0 down to win 22-14 at Leigh Leopards on Thursday. The 21-year-old, who will join New Zealand Warriors in the southern hemisphere competition next season, played the full game and afterwards Arthur revealed the initial plan was for him to get only half an hour, as one of the substitutes.

"I told him at the start of the week I was only playing him for 30 minutes and starting him off the bench," Arthur stated. "He went out there and did a great job for us. He rolled that ankle again; it's okay, but he toughed it out and it just shows he is going to handle the NRL okay."