RHYS Morgan is delighted with his team’s preparation for the new North Premier League season.

He has been particularly pleased with the way the players have adapted to the new coaching set-up.

Leeds Rhinos coach Jimmy Lowes has made an immediate impact with his Thursday night training sessions, while the input of Yorkshire Carnegie strength and conditioning coach Gary Dempsey is making an impact.

The head of rugby has also admitted for the first time that he was nervous how things would pan out after Nathan Smith’s departure to take up a post with National League One side Loughborough Students.

Morgan said: “I must admit I had my doubts as to whether things would work out.

"Nathan and I had been working closely together for three seasons and all of a sudden he wasn’t there.

“There were times when I doubted if I could cope with the additional work because Nathan did such a good job for us.

“However, I realise now this is a new start and I have enjoyed how things are going. Jimmy Lowes has come in and made a big impact.

“The players have loved his sessions and having Gary Dempsey on board is helping us to be properly prepared for the task ahead.

“I came away from training on Tuesday night excited by the way things were going. I know there are still a lot of things to do, but the signs are good.”

Two of the club’s first team regulars, back row forward Pat Power and stand-off Charles Morgan, have recently earned their Level Two coaching award and they are now assisting with pre-season preparations.

Power is to work closely with the forwards and led his first session on Tuesday.

Morgan said: “He made a good impression and the players took on board the ideas he was putting over.

“I think it is good to have players getting involved with the coaching. I am sure that Pat will prove to be an important part of the coaching team.”

Morgan confirmed that the club is still actively seeking a player-coach replacement for Smith. “We have had a number of inquiries from coaches, but we ideally want somebody who can play as well.

“We will be keeping our eyes open for suitable candidates, just as are always on the look-out for new players.”