Littlewood hails Rhinos role models as comeback salvages injury-hit year

Leeds Rhinos academy graduate Ben Littlewood has salvaged something from a season which looked like being written off.

- by Peter Smith

The 20-year-old underwent hamstring surgery in preseason and was sidelined until the summer, but has played in Leeds' past two matches - including last week's win against league leaders Hull KR.

With Sam Lisone and Morgan Gannon moving on at the end of this year, the breakthrough has given him an opportunity to stake a claim for more game time in 2026.

Littlewood said: "I think I have come through my injury now and I'm really trying to build my game. All the boys have helped me, I am trying to follow what the older boys are doing, as role models and [coach] Brad Arthur has been amazing for me. He has given me an opportunity and I think everyone's happy he's staying."