Ashton Golding says praise means little without Leeds win
Thursday 16 February 2017 11:08, UK
Leeds full-back Ashton Golding says plaudits mean nothing unless the Rhinos win.
The 20-year-old was widely praised after an outstanding performance in their season-opening 6-4 defeat to St Helens.
But Golding says that unless Leeds win - starting against Leigh, live on Sky, on Friday night - that means little to him.
"I'd rather have a bad game and get the win, always I would," Golding said. "First and foremost, I'm a fan of the club so I want the best and that's a win. We didn't get that so it was disappointing.
"I put in a decent performance for the boys against St Helens and people were saying I saved three tries, but I didn't save enough."
Golding played on the wing more often than full-back last season, as Leeds coach Brian McDermott deliberated on the successor to Zak Hardaker but captain Danny McGuire had no doubt about the quality of the club's home-grown product.
"People were expecting us to go out and sign somebody but we had a ready-made, world-class player coming through the academy ready to step in," McGuire said.
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"And he will only get better. It's just the beginning for him, he's got loads more to give."
Golding says he would be prepared to play on the wing again if necessary but is determined to prove his worth and hang onto his precious No 1 jersey.
"The big one for me is to cement my spot and become the recognised full-back at Leeds," said Golding.
"I'm a team player and I'll play wherever the team needs me but playing on the wing last year was a challenge in itself for me because I'd never played there before. I see myself as a full-back."
