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Vickery in line for Rhinos deal Super League

27th December 2012

Australian trialist Joe Vickery is set to land a contract with Leeds Rhinos after catching the eye in the Super League champions' festive challenge win over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The 23-year-old utility back, whose proposed move to Hull FC fell through last year, is two-thirds of the way through a trial spell with the Rhinos and boosted his chances of securing a permanent deal with a two-try display in their 40-26 Boxing Day victory over the Wildcats.

The Exeter-born Vickery, who scored 17 tries last season for Gold Coast Titans' feeder club Tweed Heads, seized his chance while deputising for an ailing Ben Jones-Bishop, touching down twice in the opening quarter while playing on the wing, and looked equally accomplished after switching to full-back.

"That's put him in a strong position," admitted Leeds coach Brian McDermott.

"You can't be signing blokes on how they train but he has done everything asked of him so we were leaning that way anyway.

"That's now put him in good shape for when the decision comes."

Fielding just three members of their Grand Final-winning team, Leeds' makeshift side ran in eight tries to five against a Wakefield team forced to play with 12 men for an hour following the early dismissal of new signing Justin Poore.

The Wildcats also lost second rower Lucas Walshaw with broken ribs.

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Vickery in line for Rhinos deal Super League