James Harrison tipped to have “big year” by Featherstone boss James Webster

Featherstone coach James Webster was impressed with James Harrison’s loan spell with Leeds last season, but says the best is yet to come from the forward.

The 24-year-old joined the Rhinos on loan in 2020 after the Championship season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, making four appearances in Super League.

Featherstone boss Webster, who was on the coaching staff at Leeds last term, was impressed with Harrison’s loan spell at Headingley but has tipped him to kick on to another level with Rovers in 2021.

Webster said: “He has got a lot of potential James. He is great kid, he works hard, he can play middle or edge which is fantastic for your gameday squad.

“If you look at every game he played in that run at Leeds, he got better. I think the way he stood up at St Helens away against a full strength St Helens was great.

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“With no disrespect to Leeds, he generally got a game where we had a game with 14 or 15 people out and we were always punching above our weight with all those young kids and he was able to lead that. It shows he has got a lot of leadership skills and a lot of ability.

“James still has a lot more in his locker than what he has been able to show so far so I’m looking forward to a big year from James.”

Featherstone play Oldham (March 6) and Batley (March 13) in pre-season friendlies before their Challenge Cup first round tie on March 21, which will be streamed by the BBC.

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