BILL Leyland is seizing opportunities he did not expect in his debut season with Hull KR.
The Maidstone-born hooker moved to the Robins on a two-year contract from London Broncos over the winter, having missed the entire 2024 Betfred Super League campaign due to an ACL injury.
Leyland admits he expected limited playing opportunities this year too due to Jez Litten and Michael McIlorum being in front of him, yet injury and suspension affecting the duo have seen him make eight appearances in recent months after a short loan spell at Huddersfield Giants earlier in the season.
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“I didn’t think I’d play that much because we’ve got two quality nines, probably the best two in terms of rotation in the league,” Leyland told BBC Radio Humberside.
“I thought I’d get a few games here and there, but with the unfortunate [bicep] injury to Micky gave me a shot to get a few games.
“My minutes have been limited for different reasons, but to get a solid stint was really pleasing.
“Hopefully I can build on it in the next couple of weeks.”
Leyland’s latest appearance saw him dovetail with McIlorum off the interchange bench as the Super League leaders secured their first win away to Catalans Dragons since 2019, triumphing 34-6 in Perpignan last Saturday.
Per Stats Perform, Leyland racked up an average gain of 14 metres per carry from five carries at Stade Gilbert Brutus, along with putting in 22 tackles on the defensive side.
That win put Willie Peters’ side four points clear of the chasing pack going into their bye-week, due to the split Round 20, and Leyland will undoubtedly be using that time to pick the brains of two-time Super League champion McIlorum and England international Litten.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of those two and how they’ve guided me this year,” Leyland said.
“It’s exactly what I needed, coming from a smaller set-up in London and not as much experience.
“To get someone who has played nearly 400 games and Jez who has just made his England debut last year, the experience I’m getting from them is amazing.”