Blackett played 27 games last season

Lee Blackett says he is happy to play at centre or on the wing for Leeds Carnegie this season.

The 27-year-old was Leeds' first choice winger last season, but has played at 12 and 13 against Ospreys and Agen respectively in pre-season.

Blackett told BBC Radio Leeds: "I've mainly played at centre due to us being short of numbers due to injuries.

"I hadn't played centre for nearly two years and I enjoyed it so much, but I expect to stay as a winger this year."

Blackett became a key man in Leeds' successful Premiership survival fight last season, where his defensive strength and safety under the ball was complemented by his three tries.

"I predominately still see myself, and coaching wise too, as a winger," he added. "But it is up to me to prove I can play centre as well. We only have 15 or 16 backs in the squad, so it's important we have people that can play wing and centre."

The former Rotherham man will have to fight even harder for his place this season with the arrivals of fellow wingers Michael Stephenson, Semi Tadulala and James Tincknall.

"It is going to be very tough but I am fully confident I can keep my place," he said. "I feel I can do jobs other wingers can't do and feel I do a lot of the unseen work.

"Michael Stephenson has represented England and if you do that you have to be of good quality and he's come here and done well so far.

"Semi Tadulala has just come from rugby league but has already represented Fiji, so you have two internationals there.

"James Tincknall can play at centre and wing and I've been really, really impressed by him.

"Considering he's only played the game for two years and never played at the top flight, last week [against Agen] I thought he was outstanding."

Blackett has also called on the rugby union fans of Yorkshire to back Leeds even more this season.

Leeds have targeted a Premiership top six finish for next season and Blackett believes larger attendances will help in that aim.

"I think it's vital we get more fans through the turnstiles this season," he said.

"If we want to more forward as a club and if we are wanting to finish in the top six, we need top six crowds."

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