Leeds Rhinos rookie Sam Walters is aiming to hit double figures for first-team appearances this season as he bids to prove his worth to head coach Rohan Smith. The 6ft 7in second-rower was sidelined for the opening months of the campaign after sustaining a frustrating shoulder injury in pre-season.
But, having recently returned to full fitness, Walters featured in Smith’s first game in charge at Salford Red Devils last month and again in last Friday’s defeat at Huddersfield Giants. Despite making just two Super League appearances in 2022, the towering forward is aiming to establish himself as a first-team regular in the second half of the season as the Rhinos chase a play-off spot.
Walters, 21, told Rugby League Live: “There are still a good chunk of games for me to get my teeth into this season. I’ve played two Super League games for Leeds this year, both under Rohan, and been 18th man a couple of times as well.
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“That’s been frustrating, but at the moment I think he’s still getting to know every player’s game. Obviously he’s liked what he’s seen of me at the moment, so I just need to keep developing and take my chances when they come.
“I want to get a spot in the seventeen every week and solidify that going into next season. I played four Super League games in 2020, I got seven under my belt last year and now I want to hit double figures in the remainder of this season.
“There are 13 or 14 games left, plus the play-offs potentially, so I’d like to think I can hit that target. I’m just trying to get better each day.”
Former England Academy player Walters joined the Rhinos from hometown club Widnes Vikings along with Jarrod O’Connor at the start of the 2019 season. O’Connor has shone for Leeds in recent weeks and earned a new contract – showing what can be achieved with dedication, desire and a run of games.
“When Jarrod gets a chance in the first-team, he’s always one of the hardest workers in the team,” said Walters. “He’s made it pretty hard not for the coach to pick him week in and week out. He’s showed what can be done and that’s inspiring.”
Walters has also played two games for Bradford Bulls this season and added: “It’s better than playing reserve-grade rugby.
“The physicality of the Championship is right up there in terms of what I need to be able to play Super League week in and week out. Exposure is something I’ve probably lacked in the past couple of years, although Covid has made everything difficult of course and meant I couldn’t go out on loan.
“Now we have these relationships with other clubs, it means I can go out and play elsewhere if I don’t get picked by Leeds.”
