Derrell Olpherts' versatility was one of the major reasons why Leeds Rhinos swooped to capture the winger on a two-year deal. The 30-year-old has joined from West Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers, after spending three seasons at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
Olpherts is capable of playing a number of positions across the backline, which immediately stuck out to Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith and enhanced his desire to finalise a deal to bring the player across West Yorkshire. And Smith admitted he is looking forward to working with the 30-year-old.
“We are pleased to confirm Derrell’s signing," Smith said. "He is a talented player who can play anywhere in the backline. He showed last season in particular that he is an outstanding try scorer as well and I look forward to seeing him as part of our existing backline.”
Despite becoming renowned as an out and out winger at Castleford, Olpherts stressed he has no problems playing in a plethora of positions across the backline, and is keen to win silverware during his time at Headingley.
“It is a great time to be at this club and I am looking forward to getting stuck in," the former Newcastle man said. "I am looking to elevate my game here at the Rhinos. I am looking forward to working under Rohan Smith, I am sure he will help me develop my game and develop me as a person as well.
“I didn’t really play winger until I came into Super League and I played my rugby before then as a centre or full back. I am happy to play at centre as well, I know that is something that Rohan has spoken about, and I’ll be working hard to add that versatility to my game and achieve good things here.
“The squad did fantastic last year and to get to a Grand Final just shows how much effort and skill there is around the place. Hopefully I can add to the squad and help us go one step further.
“The back line are all exciting players. It is good to be an addition to that and be around those players, challenging myself to be as good as I can be and working with my new team mates. There is great competition within the group with everyone challenged to get a starting spot and that brings a lot of excitement.
“I will be one of the first players back in for pre-season and I can’t wait. Obviously the senior guys got to a Grand Final last year and there are players involved in the World Cup but I am excited to get in and get involved with the talented young players here at Leeds. Headingley is always an exciting place to play and I am looking forward to making it my new home."
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