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8 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Liam Botham, the son of legendary English cricketer Ian, is on the verge of making his elite rugby league debut.
Leeds Rhinos are facing an injury crisis and may turn to the 25-year-old for Friday's derby with Castleford.
Australian centre Chris McKenna has concussion, Gary Connolly has a neck injury and Chev Walker is serving a prison sentence which has left the Yorkshire club down to its barest resources.
Coach Daryl Powell told the Yorkshire Evening Post on Wednesday that he is considering giving a debut to Botham, who has played rugby union with Leeds Tykes and Newcastle, if Connolly fails to recover.
"He has been playing really well in the Academy side," said Powell.
"He has impressed for us in the centre, second-row and on the wing and he is learning the game all the time.
"It just depends what happens with Gary Connolly, but I have no doubts Liam is up to it.
"He has played rugby at the highest level, although obviously the vast majority of that has been in rugby union. But he is quality. He has handled everything thrown at him up to now and he has been very comfortable with the game.
"I can only speak very highly of his attitude and physically there are absolutely no question marks over him. He has acquitted himself well whenever he has been on the field during his time with us."
Liam Botham played county cricket for Hampshire back in 1996 before deciding his future lay in rugby union and achieved England A honours three years ago during his time at Welsh giants Cardiff.
Dad Ian was also used to trying his hand at different sports having played soccer for Scunthorpe.