Peter Fox has admitted Tony Smith's decision to allow him to leave Leeds Rhinos for York City Knights was the right one for his career.
Winger admits exit from Leeds helped him mature as a player
Peter Fox has admitted Tony Smith's decision to allow him to leave Leeds Rhinos for York City Knights was the right one for his career.
Fox was released from Headingley after failing to convince then Leeds coach Smith that he had a future at the club.
However, his hard work and dedication to prove his worth has paid dividends with
Fox included in Smith's England squad for the Gillette International against France.
The 23-year-old rebuilt his career at York before John Kear spotted his potential and signed him for Wakefield. An impressive return to Super League saw Hull KR then snap him up.
Matured
And Fox believes his departure from Leeds helped him work his way into the England set-up, with the winger constantly determined to prove people wrong.
"I was definitely disappointed with the decision but, looking back now, it was the right one," he said.
"I've matured a lot as a player and back then I don't think I was ready.
"So I think Tony was right in doing what he did. It's made me the player I am today.
"John Kear took me in, he believed in me, although I wasn't actually the number one winger at Wakefield. Waine Pryce was in front of me, so I had to stake a claim there.
"Throughout my career, I've constantly had to prove to people that I'm good enough to be there. Patience and determination has got me where I am today."
