Leeds Rhinos rookie Morgan Gannon proved he could cut it in Super League last year – now he wants to reach even greater heights at Headingley. The teenage sensation is rated as the best young forward in the British game after making his debut under Richard Agar as a 17-year-old last term.
Gannon has made 12 appearances for the Rhinos this year and scored three tries to underline his rich promise. Despite his tender years, the 18-year-old back-rower is determined to continue proving he can hold his own at the highest level.
Gannon told Rugby League Live: “It’s definitely my goal to be playing week in and week out. The best way I’m going to improve as a player is being in the team and showing what I can do. I’m striving to be in the top seventeen every week.
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“It was a big thing last year for me to prove to myself that I could handle the physicality of Super League. I want to go a step further now by being a bit more dominant than I was last year. I’ve proved to myself that I can do it, but it’s about doing it every week now.”
Gannon starred for Leeds off the bench in last Friday’s home win over Wakefield Trinity in Rohan Smith’s Headingley debut as head coach. The son of former Super League player Jim Gannon added: “Rohan’s been good and brought in some new ideas with a different style of how we can attack.
“I’m enjoying it and it’s been good to have a fresh voice, but it’s just good to be playing with a crop of young lads together. It’s exciting and we can bring a lot of youthful energy to the team.”
Leeds now do not play again on home soil until the visit of old adversaries Wigan Warriors on July 21. They will play games on the road while the pitch at Headingley is relaid. Gannon, who is also in the England Knights squad, is keen to continue crossing the whitewash and admits he is inspired by what his father achieved as a player.
“Scoring tries is not something I set out to do, but it’s nice when it happens,” admitted Gannon. "It’s good to help the team out and my dad comes to most games with my mum and my brother Jacob, who is playing for Warrington’s reserve side, also comes whenever he can. My family are all very supportive, which is fantastic for me.”
