Leigh Rientoul to be key Heworth ARLC player following return (From York Press)

Leigh Rientoul to be key Heworth ARLC player following return

12:12pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Rugby League

LEIGH RIENTOUL will be a key man for Heworth ARLC this year as they seek a National Conference League renaissance.

That was the view of Villagers boss Tim Rumford, after watching the BARLA Great Britain international score four tries on his first game since returning to Elmpark Way from cross-city neighbours York Acorn.

Heworth duly won for the first time in 29 months, 58-6 at Featherstone Lions in their division three opener.

Said Rumford: He’s a quality athlete and a good player with a good vision of the game. Full-back is a good position for the way he wants to play and how he reads the game. Opportunities will come along for him and hopefully he will get the plaudits that go with it.”

Acorn boss Scott Rhodes, meanwhile, had no problem with Rientoul’s departure from Thanet Road, but seemed to question why he would leave the premier division outfit.

“Leigh is a very good player,” he said.” He was in and out of our team last year. He wanted a new challenge. If anybody’s not happy at Acorn, playing in the top division testing themselves against the best amateur teams, then they’re free to leave. Leigh is a friend but I haven’t really spoken to him about it.”