BEATTIE INSISTS SIDE RARING TO GO

LEIGH Beattie admits a tough test awaits his young Academy outfit this weekend – as he takes his players to Stanningley to tackle arch-rivals Leeds Rhinos.

His side’s opening round trip to Hull FC was postponed due to the inclement weather conditions and having been given a ‘bye’ in Round Two, they finally get their season underway this weekend.

Beattie’s roster features over 12 players from Mark Dunning’s Scholarship side from 2019.

Praising the impact of new Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Chapman, Beattie insists it is all about development this year, with a mouthwatering West Yorkshire derby kicking off their season.

“It has been a while coming – the lads have been training since November so it has been a long time coming and they are excited to play,” said Beattie, who is sponsored by Bullbuilder.

“They get frustrated just training so now the games are coming around they are looking forward to the challenge.

“Pre-season has gone very well, Chris Chapman has been a great acquisition and he has developed our players with his own ideas.

“The players are a fit bunch anyway but there is no replacement for match fitness so the opening few weeks might be tough.

“We have a very young squad this year but that is what the Under-18s is all about, developing the players and building a pathway to Reserves and First Team.”

Kick-off at the Arthur Miller Stadium this Saturday is 12:00pm.