Tom Nicholson-Watton’s Impressive Debut Season with Leeds Rhinos
On September 22, 2022, Tom Nicholson-Watton made his long-awaited Super League debut for his hometown club, Leeds Rhinos, in the final game of last season. Coming off the bench, he played a part in the Rhinos’ commanding 46-0 home victory over Castleford Tigers.
It was a significant moment for Nicholson-Watton, as well as fellow Academy graduate Alfie Edgell, who also earned his first-team bow that day under the lights at Headingley.
The young prop has gone on to gain more valuable first-team experience this season, including a loan spell with the York Knights in the Championship. Nicholson-Watton’s strong performances have not gone unnoticed, and he starred for the Rhinos on Friday night as they defeated the Catalans Dragons, keeping their Super League play-off hopes alive.
Background and Development
Initially a keen footballer, Nicholson-Watton chose to pursue rugby, impressing at both Guiseley Rangers and Stanningley. His talent caught the eye of numerous clubs, but the 20-year-old opted to join his hometown team, the Leeds Rhinos, whom he had always dreamed of playing for.
Signing up to the Rhinos scholarship in 2018, Nicholson-Watton went on to captain Mark Butterill’s side in 2019, scoring two tries in his final season before stepping up to the Academy. He became a regular for Chev Walker’s side, making his first start against Bradford at Headingley before the COVID-19 lockdown.
Nicholson-Watton’s progress continued, and he was a Reserves player in 2022, featuring in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge during pre-season. He then went on to impress during a loan spell at Keighley Cougars towards the end of the Championship season.
The young forward has also represented England Under-16s and Yorkshire Academy, demonstrating the talent that ultimately led to his Super League debut for the Rhinos last September.
Style of Play and Potential
Despite not being the tallest, Nicholson-Watton is a rugged, no-nonsense forward who also possesses impressive handling skills and rugby intelligence. His resilience and outstanding attitude have been key to his development, and he was rewarded with his senior debut just three months before his 21st birthday.
Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has been impressed with Nicholson-Watton’s progress, praising his tough, hardworking approach and the fact that he is the type of player the rest of the squad enjoys playing with. Arthur has given the young prop opportunities this season, and Nicholson-Watton has seized his chance, showcasing his potential in the thumping win over Wigan at Headingley.
With a two-year contract extension keeping him at the Rhinos until at least the end of next season, Tom Nicholson-Watton is well on his way to becoming a first-team regular at Headingley. As one of the highly-rated youngsters in the Leeds squad, the future looks bright for this promising front-rower.
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