Chance for Academy players as Leeds look to recruit

Talks to bring in scrum-half Will Cliff in from Sale Sharks on a dual-registration contract have broken down, while former Australian international Lachlan Mackay has been ruled out until December after undergoing an operation on a troublesome shoulder injury.

It leaves just Craig Hampson, 20, and Dan White, 21, as natural No 9s and Joe Ford, 21, the primary fly-half. The only real cover is provided by 19-year-old Tom Barratt, although versatile forward or back Joe Barker has played at 10 in pre-season.

The quintet, though, have just 24 appearances between them for the club.

Head coach Diccon Edwards wants his young players to lead the way this season and is not concerned that an inexperienced fulcrum will undermine the team’s charge.

“I’m happy with what we’ve got,” he said this week, while confirming that they have identified targets to come in and bolster Leeds’s scrum-half options.

“The senior players we’ve got have shown loyalty and belief in what we’re trying to achieve and the people we bring in have to demonstrate those same qualities.

“The academy players have been so positive in the way they have stood up and showed the right attitude we are looking for.”

Leeds begin with the tricky prospect of London Welsh on Sunday, knowing that the 22-game regular season is merely about jostling for position and form heading into the play-offs.

Eight teams progress to the play-offs with the semi-final and final each held over two legs in May.

Edwards said: “We want to be competitive throughout the season but we believe we will get better as we add to, and develop the squad.

“The play-offs will suit us and that’s when we need to make sure we’re fit, in good form, competing and ready to play.

“There’s a real strength in depth in this league, with teams having links with Premiership sides.

“We’re fully aware of what we’re facing and the challenge for us is to get the best out of everybody.

“We’ll play a brand of rugby that I hope the players will enjoy and the crowd will enjoy watching.

“The start and end of the season may suit us more than the wet winter months, but, equally, we need to be adaptable through all styles. Ultimately, it has to be successful.”