DANNY WARD is backing Bill Leyland to kick his injury woes into touch and take to life in the north after his switch from London Broncos to Hull KR.
The Rovers assistant coach was in charge at the capital club when hooker Leyland and his elder brother Oli, who hail from Maidstone in Kent, were coming through the ranks.
In the wake of the Broncos’ return to the Championship after a season in Super League, halfback Oli, 23, joined Warrington on a two-year deal.
Bill, 21, who missed the whole of last season after an anterior cruciate ligament operation, has penned the same length of contract with Rovers.
He will compete with more-experienced Michael McIlorum, newly signed from Catalans Dragons, and Jez Litten for time on the pitch.
Leyland was among the squad who faced York in Amsterdam as part of last week’s trip to promote Rugby League in the Netherlands.
And Ward explained: “It was clear both Oli and Bill had real talent, and it’s great to see more players from the south making a mark.
“It’s a loss for London Broncos, and having worked there, I know how that feels, but being selfish, I’m very pleased to have Bill here.
“He has to adapt to the higher level, but Oli did that last year, and I’ve no doubt Bill will do it too.
“He has a great attitude and he’s working alongside two very good players in Micky Mac and Jez.
“He will learn from them and thrive, and I can certainly see him pushing for a place.”
Rovers have also recruited backs Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies, Lee Kershaw and Danny Richardson and forwards Eribe Doro, Rhyse Martin, Leon Ruan and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves since making last year’s Grand Final.
And Ward continued: “They are all good players and good blokes, which is as important, and they have fitted in well.
“They have brought some more energy and some more fun to the group, and bought into the way we like to do things here.
“It feels a bit like we have taken up where we left off last season, and we are excited for what’s to come.”