Corey Hall looking to follow in the footsteps of Harry Newman at Leeds Rhinos

Hall, aged 17, joined Rhinos last October from Wigan Warriors and has been handed squad number 36 for the new season.

Betfred Super League looks a long way off, particularly with the likes of Newman, Konrad Hurrell Liam Sutcliffe and another highly-rated youngster Jack Broadbent standing in Hall’s way.

But Newman made his top-flight debut at a similar age in 2017 and is now one of Rhinos’ first-choice centres and Hall insisted: “He shone throughout last year and it shows it can be done.”

The other side of having top-class players ahead of him in the pecking order is Hall is learning at every training session.

“They are great role models for me to look up to,” he insisted of his new club mates. “It is good competition, but healthy competition at the same time.

“I can learn a lot off them, I can see from academy to first team the big step it takes.

“I want to get into the first team, but I’d rather be ready than get chucked in when I’m not ready. I’ll see how this year goes and if it [a first-team appearance] comes, it is a bonus.”

Born in Sheffield, Hall is a product of the local Hawks community club and had a spell with Wakefield Trinity before joining Wigan.

The England academy prospect was brought in to add some pace and size to Rhinos’ outside-backs, but admitted going straight into the full-time squad was a dream come true.

“It is a great achievement to be part of the first team after just signing,” Hall said.

“I am really enjoying my time here. I was homesick at Wigan, being there throughout the week and I wanted to come back and live at home.

“I was fortunate to come to Leeds and it’s a great honour [to get a squad number], it was one of the biggest moments of my life, to be honest.”

Hall played for Rhinos’ academy side against New South Wales Country at Headingley in November and is set to start at centre in Friday’s trial game away to Featherstone Rovers.

He confirmed: “Centre’s my main position, but if an opportunity came on the wing I’d jump at it.”