Rising Leeds Rhinos star Jarrod O’Connor excelled at hooker in Thursday’s demolition of Wigan Warriors – but says he still sees loose forward as his favourite position. O’Connor celebrated turning 21 on Wednesday by producing an outstanding display at nine against Matty Peet’s Challenge Cup winners, who left Headingley having been thumped 42-12.
The former Widnes Vikings prospect’s performance again underlined his rich potential but he insists he remains focused on nailing down a regular spot at thirteen. O’Connor’s speed of thought and movement around the ruck, with captain Kruise Leeming out injured, was too much for Wigan to handle and with Brad Dwyer set to leave at the end of the season, he could be deployed there more regularly next year.
“But I still see loose forward as my favourite position,” O’Connor told Rugby League Live. “Obviously I can fill in there if Kruise is ever injured, so you could have me and Corey Johnson in there.
