In the very first carry of the Boxing Day game, Tom Holroyd showed Leeds Rhinos fans exactly what they had been missing. A thunderous carry saw him march Wakefield down the field, leaving players in his wake.
You could say it was a year's worth of frustration unleashed in one go. 2022 was a bitterly disappointing one for Holroyd's thriving career. A lower leg injury suffered in a pre-season clash with Featherstone last January was his last appearance before the Boxing Day bout.
Though he returned to action in May, he subsequently picked up a monster 10-match ban for his involvement in a brawl while playing for Bradford Bulls. By the time his suspension had been served, he had been forced to undergo surgery for a torn elbow ligament.
Read more: Twenty Super League stars off-contract at the end of next season and free to sign elsewhere
Now, though, he's back, and ready to make up for lost time. Sporting a shiner after the game at Headingley, Holroyd insisted last year wasn't a complete waste but was keen to get things back on track.
"I've waited a long time to play for Leeds again," Holroyd said. "The bruise, it's a kick in the face, third man tackle, nothing intentional, just rugby league.
"I want to do my best for Leeds. It's been hard and frustrating but I've learnt a lot from it. And that's one thing I can take from this year, the lessons. I've had a good year off the field and a terrible one on, but it is what it is and that's done now. I've moved into my first house with my girlfriend, life is progressing and I'm just happy in general. I'm fully fit now and I'm grateful for all of that."
Asked what he's learned, Holroyd said: "That it's never really as bad as it seems and it does always get better. Yep, it's been a hard year, but I feel like I'm a better person for coming out of the other side of it. I feel like I've become better for it, and I probably wouldn't change it reflecting on it, everything happens for a reason.
"I feel like I've got to do my job for Leeds and my job is to play. I want to do my best and bring some pride and honour to my family and give them the chance to see me play."
Holroyd did his chances no harm in the defeat, performing well during his stints. However, he faces stiff competition for a place in the pack next year. Mikolaj Oledzki, Zane Tetevano, Justin Sangare, Sam Lisone and Sam Walters are among those vying for a place in Rohan Smith's side. But Holroyd is happy to take that in his stride.
"It's brilliant that there is competition," he said. "We'll be contending and be a top team, it's good that they're pushing the high standards at Leeds Rhinos because that's the way it should be."
Read next
Wigan Warriors give hint on Bevan French's position in 2023 squad numbers
Mark Applegarth highlights Wakefield Trinity priority with long-term vision for success
Rugby League pre-season fixtures as build-up to new season continues
Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith predicts Leon Ruan's first-team pathway after impressive debut
Key Leeds Rhinos talking points after Boxing Day defeat to Wakefield Trinity
