New Leeds Rhinos recruit James McDonnell admits he is relishing his move to Headingley after tasting victory there in Ireland’s World Cup opener. The back-rower has signed from Super League rivals Wigan Warriors on a two-year contract beginning in 2023.
Rohan Smith swooped to secure McDonnell’s services just weeks after his appointment as Rhinos boss and was quick to congratulate the new signing after he helped Ireland to a 48-2 win over Jamaica last Sunday. McDonnell was on the scoresheet and was delighted to play alongside new Leeds team-mates Richie Myler and James Bentley in the Emerald Isle’s thumping success.
McDonnell said: “I felt surreal to score that try. I went over to the family at the end and they were bursting with pride. My dad is a very proud Irishman and I’ve got family over there in County Mayo, Dublin and Cork and they all messaged me to say they were are all watching.
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“He moved over here for a bit of work, met my mum, and never left really. Rohan messaged me after the game to say I looked good out there and I got a good feel fo the new turf.
“It’s going to be my home for the next two years, so it felt good. I’ve just been focused on Ireland but, with me being based during the World Cup, it’s a good chance to get a bit of a taster for being in and around the city.
“Even to meet Bentos (James Bentley) and Richie Myler, it’s been great and I’m here at Leeds to play. That’s one of the most important reasons why I made the move, but there are no guarantees. I just need to get my head down and do what’s asked of me.”
McDonnell explained how Smith persuaded him to join the Rhinos, saying: "Rohan is a bit of a rugby nerd, he said he watched as much film as possible when he first came over and I was one of the lads who jumped out at him. I was a bit unsure of my future at Wigan, there not quite being the pathway in place for me with two England international back-rowers there.
“I was weighing up my options, Leeds came in and I spoke to Rohan and met him straight away and he just sold it to me. He is really smart, he said he has never played the game himself so he can’t give me all the physical aspects and the aggression stuff. But he said I’ve got that in boatloads anyway so he can just add to my game with the technicality and all that stuff.
“I was playing in the Championship at Leigh, who are obviously a good side, but when we first had talks I’d made three appearances for Wigan over the space of two years. I’ve doubled my tally this year by playing three games after that, but the first time we [McDonnell and Smith] met I’d only got three games under my belt. It was a bit unexpected for what I’d call a big club to come in for me, but that’s one of the reasons I made the move.”
The 22-year-old is set to feature again for Ged Corcoran’s side as they face Lebanon on Sunday in Leigh, where victory would carry them into the World Cup quarter-finals. McDonnell said: “Hopefully we get the win over Lebanon this week, which would set us up for New Zealand in the final game.”
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