IAN BLEASE has labelled Leeds Rhinos’ signing of Halifax Panthers forward Delaine Gittens-Bedward as “interesting”.
Gittens-Bedward has signed a one-year deal with the Headingley outfit after becoming a mainstay for Halifax since joining in April from Workington Town following the Panthers’ emergence from liquidation.
The 25-year-old, a product of London Broncos’ development pathway who previously played for Coventry Bears, London Skolars and Barrow Raiders, featured 16 times for the Panthers, scoring one try.
Jamaica international Gittens-Bedward also spent last pre-season training with Adrian Lam’s Leigh Leopards.
Leeds sporting director Blease, who has also recruited fellow front-rower Hugo Salabio from Hull FC, explained: “Delaine is an interesting signing for us because there’s still plenty of potential for him to fulfil.
“He’s taken a different route through the game, but we feel there is more to come from him and we want to allow him to show that.
“Recruitment isn’t just about looking at where a player is today; it’s also about understanding where they could get to and whether they have the character and desire to keep improving.
“We believe Delaine has those qualities, and we see this as an opportunity for both the player and the club.”
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur added: “What interests me about Delaine is that he’s had to work for the opportunities he’s had in the game. He’s experienced different environments and had to find ways to keep pushing his career forward.
“He’s a young forward who still has development in him, and we want to create an environment where he can come in, work hard and see how good he can become.”
Gittens-Bedward said: “Getting the opportunity to join Leeds Rhinos is something I’m really proud of. My journey in rugby hasn’t always been straightforward, but every club I’ve been at has helped me learn more about myself as a player and what I need to do to keep improving.
“Representing Jamaica was a proud moment for me, and experiences like that have made me even more determined to see how far I can take my career.
“I know I still have plenty to prove, and I see this as a massive opportunity to challenge myself, learn from the people around me and show what I’m capable of.
“I’m not coming in expecting anything to be handed to me. I want to earn the respect of the coaches and the boys through the way I train and play.
“If I can bring physicality, energy and a strong work ethic every week, then hopefully I can make a real contribution to the team.”
