IN-FORM centre Connie Boyd has put her current form with Leeds Rhinos down to simply getting plenty of game time.
Although the 19-year-old played 14 times last season after her promotion to the first team, many of those appearances came from the bench and saw her feature in the back row.
But with a regular starting spot in the centre, Boyd has been an ever present and already crossed for eleven tries in league and cup, an impressive improvement from the two scored in 2025.
That form earned Boyd a place on the first ten-player shortlist for the Woman of Steel award that was named last week.
“I’m really enjoying it at the minute,” said Boyd, who was quick to credit those around her for her current run of form.
“When I came up into the squad last season, I was a bit in and out in games but this season I’ve been starting every game and feel like I’ve been playing well.
“Definitely just getting time out there is helping me improve, as is playing on the same side as Mel (Howard). She has been around the game for a long time and she really helps me to become a better version of me, so does Muzzy (Lucy Murray), especially in defence, so they have definitely helped.
“Lois (Forsell – coach) told me in pre-season that I was doing really well and that I just had to stick at it. I don’t really back myself a lot of the time, but her and Rich (Tillotson – assistant coach) are always telling me how well I’m doing and that I can run over people so that helps too.”
On her improved try return, Boyd added: “As long as we’re scoring tries I’d be happy with whoever it is, but it is always nice to get over yourself. It does pick your confidence up, and knowing that I have already scored more than I did last season, when we’re not even half way through yet, is nice.”