Leeds starlet ready to “test himself in the Championship” after joining York

Drew Darbyshire
Oli Field Leeds Rhinos SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Leeds youngster Oli Field says ‘he is ready for Championship rugby league’ after linking up with York on a one-month loan deal.

The 20-year-old earned a first team squad number with the Rhinos ahead of last season but has yet to make his debut for Rohan Smith’s side.

Field has previously enjoyed time on loan in the lower leagues with Batley, Oldham and Cornwall.

On joining York, Field said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Knights. I think I’m at a point in my career where I feel as if I’m ready for the challenge of Championship rugby league.

“I want to be playing regular rugby at a really good standard and testing myself week after week, so I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to join York.

“I’m really looking forward to getting going and getting stuck in with the boys.

“There’s a great set-up here at York and I’ve followed the club and their results, given that it’s one of my local team.

“Hendo’s (Andrew Henderson) a great coach, so I’m really looking forward to working underneath him. The facilities are great here too, so I don’t think there’s many better clubs to be at.”

York boss delighted to welcome Oli Field to the Knights

Field, a former Wetherby Bulldogs junior, captained Leeds’ Under-19s team in 2021. He has previously represented England at Youth level.

Henderson said: “Oli is a local lad and we want to try and create pathways and opportunities for local players, if they show the right attributes and the potential talent.

“Oli can play in the middle and on the edge, which appealed to me. It’s a good opportunity for him and where he’s at in his career, having come through the Rhinos system.

“Having an initial one-month loan agreement allows us to have a look at him and see where we think he’s at and if he’ll add value to us going forward.

“If that’s the case, we can look to extend, if Leeds are happy to do that. In the future, there could be a pathway for him here at York.

“We’re very much looking forward to bringing him in.”

Field is in contention to make his York debut in Sunday’s Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Sheffield.

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