Imagine being sent out on a one-week emergency loan – and the only game you stand a chance of playing in is one of the biggest of the season, against your new club’s bitter rivals.
Then imagine scoring your first Super League try, on debut, to put your side in front with three minutes left.
Then you score another try moments later, with a driving run from the halfway line, to seal the win.
And there is a reasonable chance you will never play for that club again.
That is the reality for Bill Leyland, whose sensational late double earned St Helens a sensational comeback win over Wigan Warriors in a Good Friday derby for the ages.
Leyland only joined injury-hit Saints from Hull KR earlier this week and almost did not pull on the Red Vee at all, finally taking to the field when Daryl Clark was subbed off following a head knock.
But in just over 20 minutes, Leyland made his mark, as Saints overturned a 14-point deficit to beat the Cherry and Whites by 10 points after scoring four tries in the final 10 minutes.
“It’s a pretty special debut in one of the biggest games in rugby league. To get two tries and man of the match is a pretty special feeling,” the 23-year-old told Radio 5 Live.
“I’m glad to go out and make an impact and bring so much joy to the fans.”
