It’s no surprise Leeds prop Tom Holroyd says he’s playing every game like it’s his last.
He’s not some veteran forward, either. The England Knights front-row is still only 22. But after what’s happened to him over the last couple of years, Holroyd’s learned to savour every moment - including the match-winning try in Saturday’s thrilling Super League win against Catalans. Holroyd is ever-present for Rhinos this term yet didn’t play at all with them last season.
He missed four months with a foot injury and when fit again was sent-off following an infamous incident while on dual-registration with Bradford. Holroyd punched three Newcastle players in a matter of seconds and copped a massive ten game ban. But a week before the suspension ended, he tore an elbow ligament in training, ending his campaign completely.
Holroyd also broke a leg in 2021 so he’s clearly loving life now after helping Rhinos to a third win in four games. Holroyd, who went 17 months between appearances for his club, said: “It was difficult last year not being able to play for Leeds. And I do feel like every opportunity that I get to play now, I play it like it’s my last as you never know what could happen. I am happy with how I’m going. And I’ll just keep moving forward.”
Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has started gritty Yorkshireman Holroyd - who farms pigs in his spare time - in every game so far. The no-nonsense forward has fully repaid him, not least by coming up with the crucial score to end Catalans’ 100 percent winning record. Leeds had been staring at another defeat trailing 22-8 early in the second period.
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But, while down to 12 men after two-try Harry Newman’s yellow card for dissent, they ironically scored twice via Richie Myler and Jarrod O’Connor. Blake Austin then broke to send Derrell Olpherts over. And Leeds completed the stunning fightback after Australian stand-off Austin continued his own stunning performance.
Leeds Rhinos' Tom Holroyd scores against Catalans (PA)He produced a quality 40/20 kick and a perfect pass to send Holroyd hurtling over in the 66th minute. Running wider out, Holroyd looked more like a back-row with the way he hit the line. He explained: “It’s a play we’ve run in training a couple of times and it just came off in the game.
"I crossed the line but all the lads did the work to get there. We’ve a good team and we work hard for each other. I’m just happy with that. It’s my second try (in three games). I think I’m on a roll now! Blake’s so dangerous. He takes the line on and is a real running threat. But he’s got both aspects of the game where he knows when to pass, too.”
Looking to build further at Hull KR on Friday, Halifax-born Holroyd maintained: “The lads had trust. We know we’re a good team and could get back in it. We know we can grind anyone out. Catalans are a quality side but we can contend with the best and do some real big things this year.”
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