London Broncos head coach Andrew Henderson believes new signing Scott Leatherbarrow has added a different dimension to his squad ahead of the new season.
The 25 year-old joined the club from Batley Bulldogs, after spells with South Wales Scorpions and Keighley Cougars.
Leatherbarrow is renowned for his kicking ability, with over 150 goals in his last three seasons in the Kingstone Press Championship.
Broncos gave the Wigan-born halfback the chance to step up to full-time rugby and said his ability from the kicking tee was a major pulling point.
“He seems to have fitted in pretty well and integrated into the group and I’ve brought him in to get this team around and kick well and there are certainly qualities that I can see he’s bringing to the group,” he said.
“His physical condition has improved already in the first three weeks and there has been a considerable improvement.
“He’s adapting to the standard of training and what we expect in terms of our intensity levels and I’ve been pretty happy with him so far.”
Broncos have brought in nine new faces ahead of the 2016 season, after a disappointing campaign last time around.
Leatherbarrow joins the side as part of a big season for the Broncos, having made the switch to full-time from Batley.
Despite initial concerns that the full-time programme at the club may be too much for him, Henderson said he has adapted well to the training schedule.
He added: “At this point I think he’s adapted pretty well to the full-time programme.
“There’s always a concern when you’re bringing part-time players that certainly over the first couple of weeks when they make that transition if their bodies are going to break down and if they’re going to be able to handle the loading and intensity.
“It’s a little bit different and they’re on their feet a bit more than when they’re part-time but to be fair to Scott he’s handling the transition pretty well at the moment.”
