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IT’S NOT just the Scout movement that has to Be Prepared - the same applies to a rugby league team’s 18th man.

Rhinos forward Jarrod O’Connor was not due to play in last Friday’s Betfred Super League game at Huddersfield Giants but, unexpectedly, found himself in the starting line-up, out of position at hooker, after captain Kruise Leeming was ruled out through illness shortly before kick-off.

Coaches are now required to name an initial 21-man squad two days ahead of a game and the non-playing reserve usually warms up with the team before kick-off, so O’Connor was on standby.

“I knew I was playing about two or three hours before we were due to meet,” he said.

Back-row Leeds Rhinos forward Jarrod O'Connor stepped up from 18th man to fill in at hooker against Huddersfield Giants last time out in Super League. Picture: John Rushworth/SWpix.com.

“Kruise called in ill, but I was already 18th man and I was preparing as if I was playing, so it wasn’t a big adjustment.

“I was all ready to go.”

O’Connor admitted: “It’s not something you get used to.

“When everyone was training [the day before the game] you think that’s the squad, but it didn’t matter in the end, I was told I was playing and I was ready.

Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith likes players to be versatile and to be able to adapt their game. Picture: John Clifton/SWpix.com.

“If you’re the 18th man, you are always ready to go. That’s how they tell you to prepare because, obviously, anything can go wrong in the warm-up.”

Leeds Rhinos: Variety’s proving the spice of life for forward Jarrod O’Connor