Who will Mac back?
NOBODY can read Leeds boss Brian McDermott – least of all his own players – ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final against Castleford. As the big-city Rhinos seek to overcome their small-town neighbours and claim a recordextending eighth Super League title, McDermott is facing a major selection dilemma at fullback.
Jack Walker, who only turned 18 in August, is rated as the best young prospect in the game and was given the nod for Friday’s play-off semi-final win over Hull. But Ashton Golding, 21, another outstanding home-grown talent, is pushing for a return to the starting line-up.
Walker marked his firstteam debut with a hat-trick in a Challenge Cup tie against Doncaster in April and has gone on to make 11 appearances for McDermott’s side.
Walker said: “It’s hard to say what will happen because I can’t read Mac, but playing at Old Trafford would turn my dream into reality.
“I was so happy to have even played last Friday against Hull. It’s mad how this season has gone because I’m from Leeds and have grown up supporting the club.
“To now be in with a chance of playing in a Grand Final, I’m pinching myself.”
When Golding signed a new five-year deal earlier this year, apparently confirming his status as the Rhinos’ first-choice full-back, Walker appeared set to leave Headingley.
But Walker ended up penning a new contract himself and is now threatening to eclipse his more senior team-mate by featuring in the biggest game of the season.
Walker said: “Ashton is a great player and I’ve got things in my game that he needs and he’s got things in his
game that I need. We are very close and we help each other out. I’ve just got to keep pushing for that No1 shirt and staying here was the right call for me.
“I’m confident I can play better than Ashton and I can’t even describe how mad it would be if I played in the Grand Final. I would be over the moon.”
Golding reasoned: “This selection problem has been there week in and week out for Brian. Jack and I have both hit some decent form and it’s down to the opposition now – who we are playing and who suits the game better.
“I know Jack’s mentality and we’re quite close in that we work together heavily at training.
“Even if we know we’re not playing, we’ll still work together for the sake of the team. There is no point having a personal battle with each other when it is detrimental to the team.
“It will be special if I get the nod on
Saturday but if not, I’ll be cheering on the boys and hoping we get the win.
“I don’t know when Brian will pick his team, but I’m just going to train hard and give him no reason not to pick me.”