Tom Denton backs Leeds Carnegie academy talent

Denton played 12 games for Leeds last season

Leeds Carnegie's Tom Denton has said it is vital clubs blood local academy players in their first teams.

The second rower, 22, is one of a long line of academy products to establish themselves in the Leeds senior side, making 12 appearances last season.

Denton told BBC Radio Leeds: "I think the more local academy players in a team the better."

"It inspires boys from the academies and schools. They see you have done it and believe they can too."

Denton added: "It's good for the fans, too. For instance, you go on loan to Otley and then the Otley fans will come and support you when you play for Leeds.

"For a club, it's important because it shows that through hard work and dedication you can get into the first team and then more young lads aspire to do the same.

"Here at Leeds we have a great batch of youngsters coming through that will shape the future."

Before breaking into the Leeds first team, Denton spent his first year in men's rugby on loan at Otley before a spell at Rotherham.

"It's great for the academy guys to go out and experience men's rugby. I did I year at Otley and it brought me on so much.

"Just being around the older, experienced players brought my game on so much. As a player, I'd say if you get that opportunity go and take it.

"I then went to Rotherham, which was the next league up. I only played five games there but then got called back to Leeds to play in the first team."

With Erik Lund's departure for France, there is an opportunity for Denton to make the vacant lock position his own.

I really have to kick on this year. Hopefully, if I play well in pre-season, I can show the coaches what I can do

Tom Denton

However, he knows he faces stiff competition from new signing Sean Hohneck, plus Jon Pendlebury, Kearnan Myall and Danny Paul are all competing for a starting spot.

"I really have to kick on this year. Hopefully, if I play well in pre-season, I can show the coaches what I can do, then go on and play well this season.

"I know I have a big opportunity this season but there's big competition too.

"So I have to prove that I can take this position. But there are new boys that have come in and are fighting for the position, too. So I have to show I can fill that space," he added.