Prolific winger Derrell Olpherts admits he'd be "happy" to play centre for Leeds after joining from Castleford on a two-year deal.
Rhinos confirmed the player's capture today as they continue their recruitment under Rohan Smith for 2023. Ex-Salford winger Olpherts was one of Super League's top performers last term after a brilliant campaign at Cas, scoring 18 tries, leading the competition with tackle busts, second only to Leeds winger Ash Handley for carries and third in the rankings for metres made.
Obviously, beaten Grand Finalists Rhinos have Handley and Tonga star David Fusitu'a as their main wingers but Olpherts has revealed he wants to be considered as a centre where his new club could be light following Liam Sutcliffe's move to Hull, Zak Hardaker's impending departue and Tom Briscoe's exit.
Olpherts, 30, said: “It is a great time to be at this club and I am looking forward to getting stuck in. I am looking to elevate my game here at the Rhinos. I am looking forward to working under Rohan Smith, I am sure he will help me develop my game and develop me as a person as well.
“I didn’t really play winger until I came into Super League and I played my rugby before then as a centre or full-back. I am happy to play at centre as well. I know that is something that Rohan has spoken about, and I’ll be working hard to add that versatility to my game and achieve good things here. The squad did fantastic last year and to get to a Grand Final just shows how much effort and skill there is around the place. Hopefully I can add to the squad and help us go one step further.
“The back-line are all exciting players. It is good to be an addition to that and be around those players, challenging myself to be as good as I can be and working with my new team-mates. There is great competition within the group with everyone challenged to get a starting spot and that brings a lot of excitement.
“I will be one of the first players back in for pre-season and I can’t wait. Obviously the senior guys got to a Grand Final last year and there are players involved in the World Cup but I am excited to get in and get involved with the talented young players here at Leeds. Headingley is always an exciting place to play and I am looking forward to making it my new home.”
Wakefield-born Olpherts scored 36 tries in 54 games for Castleford after joining from Salford in 2018 and appeared in the Challenge Cup final last year. Smith said: "We are pleased to confirm Derrell’s signing. He is a talented player who can play anywhere in the backline. He showed last season in particular that he is an outstanding try scorer as well and I look forward to seeing him as part of our existing backline.”
