Williamson can't wait to return to Leeds

Second rower Luke Williamson joined Harlequins last summer from NRL champions, Manly Sea Eagles. Having spent his career playing at the highest level of Australian Rugby League, games against English sides were few and far between. However Luke has played Leeds Rhinos before:

“I remember going up to Headingley to play against Leeds in 1997. I was at Adelaide Rams at the time, and we flew over to the UK for the World Club Challenge. We also played against Salford and Oldham.

“The atmosphere at Headingly was awesome; it felt like the crowd were right on top of you, singing and chanting so loudly. We lost that game (22-14) but it’s still a great memory and I’m looking forward to getting back up there.”

In the years following his last visit to Headingly, Luke has been kept well aware of the success Leeds Rhinos have enjoyed, not least because his former team Manly recently beat them to become Carnegie World Club Challenge champions.

“Back home, everyone hears how Leeds are doing. They’re the reigning champions for the past two years, and set the benchmark of what Super League is about.”

Preparation for the trip to Yorkshire is going well, and Luke believes his side can throw off the inconsistency they’ve seen in their recent results:

“Over the last few weeks the short gaps between fixtures have meant it’s been a bit all over the place trying to get yourself ready to play. We’ve got through the Easter period now, and we’ve been able to get some more structure in our training. We’ve had some great, sunny sessions, and we’re ready for Friday’s challenge.”

Leeds Rhinos v Harlequins Rugby League, Friday 24th April, 8pm

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