Sam Walters has made his mark in Leeds Rhinos’ last two games but the imposing forward admitted: “I want more minutes.” Walters was not picked for the opening two rounds of the season, when Leeds tasted defeat at the hands of Warrington Wolves and Hull FC.
But he came off the bench and helped Rohan Smith’s men to a famous win at champions St Helens in round three and did likewise during last Friday’s home victory over Wakefield Trinity. Smith has since spoken in glowing terms of Walters’ impact but the 22-year-old former Widnes Vikings prospect says he wants to be starting games.
Asked if he was thrilled to be in Smith’s top seventeen, Walters told Leeds Live: “I wouldn’t say so. I’m still not happy with my performances, I’m still not happy with where I am. I want to be starting and playing longer minutes, but we’ve got good competition in the team and that brings the best out of me as well.
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“All of us have a collective goal and it’s going to be a long season, but we have a good squad and that’s probably a benefit for us. For me it was just about being patient and then, when I got a shot, showing what I can do. But also being patient with that as well – not coming onto the field and showing my hand with my first carry.
“It’s about building into the game and then just having that confidence in my ability when opportunities arise. Against Wakefield on Friday, it was probably a bit difficult. It was a really cold night and a tight first half, but I tried to get my head down and make as many carries as I could.”
Walters made his mark towards the end of last season following Smith’s arrival at Headingley, when his performances up front established him in the side and helped Leeds reach the Grand Final. The former second-rower-turned-prop faces competition from the likes of Sam Lisone, Justin Sangare, Mikolaj Oledzki, Tom Holroyd and Zane Tetevano in a year when his current deal expires.
Walters, who made a career-best 10 Super League appearances last season, added: “That [the contract situation] is not at the back of my mind. I’ll let my rugby do the talking and see where I am at the end of the year.
“I’m not sure what will happen yet, so I’ll see what comes up. Obviously I really enjoy it here, I love the city of Leeds, and I don’t see myself playing anywhere else, but I’ll just have to wait and see.”
Walters is now gearing up for Thursday’s televised derby at winless neighbours Castleford Tigers, a game which should see fit-again centre Harry Newman continue his comeback from a seven-month injury lay-off.
Newman scored a try with his first touch in Friday’s 26-0 win over Wakefield and Walters said: “We were all delighted for Harry because, in my opinion, he’s the best centre in Super League when he’s on his game. Having him in your team gives you unbelievable strike all over the park.
“I’m really happy for him so hopefully we can build on his performance and keep him fit. It’s going to be a tough game because it’s a big derby and Castleford will be up for it. Under the lights on Sky, it’s going to be a packed house and we will need to bring our best game.”
Walters is particularly enjoying playing with Jarrod O’Connor, his former Widnes academy team-mate who has become an increasingly prominent member of the Leeds side under Smith.
Walters said: “I think I’ve played every Super League game with Jarrod and it’s nice because we played our amateur rugby together at Halton Hornets, so I know his game inside out and he knows mine. He’s a joy to play with and is really making his mark on this Leeds Rhinos team. I’m really proud of him as a friend.”
O’Connor recently got engaged to long-term girlfriend Ebony Tilston and Walters added: “I’ve know Ebony for a long time as well, so congratulations to them both. I’m made up for them.”
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