Rugby League Youngster Alfie Edgell Thriving at Super League Level
Leeds Rhinos youngster Alfie Edgell is enjoying his breakout season in the Super League, as the 19-year-old continues to impress at the top level. Edgell made his Super League debut from the bench last season, and this campaign he has cemented his place in the starting 13.
Edgell made his full Super League debut at fullback against Hull KR earlier this season, and has since gone on to make five more appearances. With injuries to David Fusitu’a and Riley Lumb, Edgell has been thrown into the deep end on the wing against London Broncos and Castleford.
“I’ve loved it. Obviously you ride the ups and the downs and I’ve really felt that this year, but I think it will stand me in good stead for the future.”
The youngster has had to adapt to the wing position on short notice, but he is taking it in his stride:
“My first game on the wing was a few weeks ago against London. I’m still getting used to that but I’m taking it in my stride. The better I do there at the moment the more I’m going to play.”
Edgell has been able to lean on experienced players like Brodie Croft, James McDonnell, and Paul Momirovski on the right edge, who have been crucial in easing him into the wing role:
“Paul [Momirovski] is really experienced, and knows the game really well. He’s a great talker too, so he’s really helped me out a lot.”
Head coach Rohan Smith has also been impressed with Edgell’s development, praising his performance on the wing against Castleford:
“Alfie’s learning now to play wing really well as well. He’s done that job in the outside backs a couple of times now. I thought going with a fresh body, particularly with that experience of Momirovski on his inside who reads the game so well, I thought Alfie would just be able to get on the end of that and he did a terrific job.”
With Luis Roberts carrying a groin injury, Edgell may find himself on the wing more regularly moving forward. The youngster is relishing the opportunity to continue his growth at the Super League level.
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