Richie Myler has paid credit to Richard Agar for the honesty he showed in pre-season which has helped him thrive in his new role as Leeds Rhinos’ utility man.
Myler came on from the bench and played fullback for almost an hour during the Rhinos’ 36-0 win over Warrington on Friday, earning the man-of-the-match award despite it being his first game at fullback in his career.
And Myler told League Express: “It’s helped me having Rich be so upfront and honest from the start, and not stringing me along.
“He was clear about the role, and my relationship with Rich is fantastic. It was tough to deal with at the beginning, getting to grips with that different role, but it’s helped me get to where I am now.
“If someone goes down at fullback, halfback or nine I can go there. The beauty of only having eight subs now is that you need someone like that on the bench, and Rich was honest and said he thought I could fill that role. We don’t want injuries, but wherever I need to fill in, I will.”
Myler also admitted he has done his best to try and accept his new role as a challenge, rather than sulking about it. This is the first time in his career he has not been a regular at halfback.
He said: “You’ve got to take it as a challenge and try to thrive. I’m never going to throw my toys out of the pram and I was never going to be petulant about it, because it’s about the team rather than one individual. I’m part of this team and I want to continue to be part of it.
Myler continued: “I’ve been around long enough to know that straight down the line was the best way for me, and that’s exactly what Rich has been. I could have been sitting in the stands doing corporate duties, but I’ve been given a role and I’m enjoying it.
“It was unfortunate circumstances to get on the pitch because of Jack Walker’s injury, but I was ready to go on wherever. It might be front row next week, who knows!
“I just want to play as many minutes as I can and do a job for this club, and if I’m contributing, I’m happy. I’ve said that all along, and wherever Rich chucks me in, I’ll do a job.”
