LOIS FORSELL is pleased to see Leeds Rhinos reaping the rewards of their homegrown talent as the first part of the Women’s Super League season reaches its climax.

Last weekend’s win over St Helens propelled the Rhinos up to second ahead of the mid-season split, with 19-year-old Connie Boyd scoring twice and Frankie Blakey catching the eye from the bench.

The club has a history of developing homegrown players, with Ruby Walker and Ebony Stead among those to have come through from their Academy to become first-team regulars.

And with youth increasingly coming to the fore, Forsell is excited to see what the future holds.

“I think Frankie made a big impact off the bench,” the head coach said of the young talent, who sent Mel Howard over for her second try against Saints.

“Bazz [Eaton, assistant] was screaming from the stands that she could have scored it herself, but she made a big impact off the bench, which is pleasing to see.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve spoken about being a young team. It was frustrating at the time to speak about it, but we knew that the players would come into their own and really begin to find their feet and understand what we’re about.

“We’re seeing that a little bit more this year and it’s pleasing to see. They’re going well, they’re enjoying their rugby and reading the bits that they do put out.”

Forsell believes that having a close group off the pitch as well as on it has laid a strong foundation, adding: “We’re a tight group.

“They enjoy each other’s company and being around each other on and off the field, and when you get that recipe right, that’s really good. That’s down to the girls and not us as such.

“It’s good to see them doing that and playing some good rugby, but there needs to be more to come from us. We’ve got to make sure we kick on from this win.”