JAKE Connor hopes to be furious at a calendar clash that would see him miss a huge day out.
For that means Leeds will be one match from the Grand Final.
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The Rhinos’ talisman is also a coach at National Conference League side Siddal, who have reached their Grand Final next Saturday.
Just one problem. If Connor helps the club he plays for to victory tonight, he will be at Hull KR for a crack at Old Trafford.
“I have noticed the date and I’m fuming about it,” cursed Connor.
“I didn’t think it would play out that way but it is what it is. The Siddal boys have done the work and hopefully they don’t need me there.
“I’ll be watching it on video and I’ll probably have someone on standby on the phone to do the messages.
“Juggling playing and coaching is fairly easy, Siddal train on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Leeds haven’t had many Saturday games this year.
“I reckon I’ve missed three matches this year through playing. I’ve been there pretty much all the time.
“It could be four but hopefully they can get the win when I’m not there.”
Connor the coach has had as good a season as Connor the player. His performances at scrum-half for Leeds have earned him a place on the three-man shortlist for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award.
Ask any Rhinos fan and he is the kingpin. Without him, Brad Arthur’s side would be lost.
But the man himself revealed his own doubts after moving from Huddersfield, adding: “My aim before a ball was kicked was probably to get in the starting team.
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“Pre-season I worked in that role. I’ve had a lot of hard work and a lot of learning and improvement to do.
“I managed to get it done, forced my way into the team and then it’s gone from there really.
“Looking back, that hard work’s paid off. It lit a fire in my belly. I’m not one for proving anything to outsiders but I wanted to prove to Brad that I know I’m the player I am.
“He helped me along the way, nailed some stuff down and I like the player I’ve become. I think I’m showing what I can be.
“I’ve always known it’s in there and this season’s been all right. So good so far. There’s still a bit of work to do but I’ve enjoyed my season so far.”
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Connor’s form has seen him mentioned in the running for a spot in England’s Ashes squad and another dominant display in tonight’s Elimination Final against St Helens would be a further nudge to Test boss Shaun Wane.
But much of his improvement has been down to Arthur, who has never stepped off the pedal.
The 30-year-old told SunSport: “You know sometimes a lot of people can just take their foot off gas – he’s not like that.
“Not just for me. He’s always got a foot on the gas with everyone. He’s just pushing for everyone to be better.
“If you get the individual better, then the team comes off the back of that and he’s just improved everyone massively.”
