LEEDS RHINOS have handed a rugby union player from the city the chance to forge a career in the 13-a-side code on familiar territory at AMT Headingley.
Jack Metcalf is a versatile back who played for the old Yorkshire Carnegie team when they were based at the ground, where he watched Rugby League as a youth who excelled at football as well as the 15-a-aide game.
The 24-year-old, who spent time in the development systems of round-ball clubs Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers, has started a month’s trial at the Rhinos.
That’s on the back of top-flight union experience with Sale Sharks and, in the season just finished, Newcastle Falcons, whose director of rugby Steve Diamond sung his praises.
“Jack is a talented sportsman who applied himself well during his time with us, and I’d like to thank him and wish him all the best for his move,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity to head back to his home county of Yorkshire, and with the ability he has got, I would back him to make a real go of it in Rugby League.”
Metcalf moved to the Falcons from Doncaster a year ago after also playing for Ealing Trailfinders (one-time groundshare partners of London Broncos) after two seasons with the Sharks, who play at the same stadium as Salford Red Devils.
He has also had a stint in Australia with Eastwood, from Sydney’s Northern Districts, having first emerged at Leeds side West Park, from where he stepped up to the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy, then first team.
When Carnegie hit the buffers financially during the pandemic, former Yorkshire Under 18 representative player Metcalf joined Sale, also playing for that club’s associate National League One (third tier) team, whose Heywood Road ground is used by Swinton Lions.
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are pleased to give Jack an opportunity to join us on trial for a month.
“In Union, he has played fullback, centre and wing and this will be a chance for him to test himself in Rugby League.
“He is a Leeds lad and he has settled in well with the group already.”