Harry Little made an impressive debut for the London Broncos in the away game at Wakefield Wildcats last weekend but at the start of the week he was doing something quite different from contemplating a Super League debut.
The 19-year-old worked in a shoe shop until recently and has been juggling training with his work.
“Even this week we had training on Tuesday, we finished about 2pm and I had to be in the shoe shop at 3pm, so it’s sort of like living two lives. It’s worth it,” said Little.
“The call up was really unexpected to be honest. I was called into training on Friday and I thought I was just getting the experience in. I was really excited and it was good to get the opportunity.
Little was scouted in 2012 at the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament, held at the Broncos training ground at Roehampton, and from there he played in the Under-18s last season and for the U19s this year.
“Obviously Super League was a hope, but it hadn’t even come into my mind this year. Getting the call was one of those ambitions you’ve always had.”
Along with his Super League debut, Little was also awarded the man of the match prize by his fellow players: “It came as a bit of shock, it’s a big honour, especially playing with some of the names around me in the team, for them to vote for me is such an honour.”
Little has praised Liam Colbon and Luke Dorn for their support saying: “Colby has been really good; he has coached me on anything I’ve been unsure about. Playing with him out on the right was so easy. Dorny as well, having his experience out there, it’s a familiar face as he coaches with the under 19s team.
“Obviously it was good to get my first chance, once you’ve had the experience of Super League you just want to keep doing it.”
Little has been named in Tony Rea’s squad for this weekend’s game against Salford City Reds at The Twickenham Stoop, kick-off 3pm. The Broncos could be fielding nine London players in the side along with recent signing Jamie Soward for the game against bottom of the table Salford.
