Focus on Leeds Rhinos - Jack Walker in running to be Super League great

The youngster has been widely tipped as a future England Test player, but what will he bring to Rhinos’ side as they push to get back among the honours when Betfred Super League resumes next month?

Attributes:

At Just 20, Walker is already a Grand Final winner and in his fourth season as part of Rhinos’ first team squad.

Quick, with smart footwork and an eye for the line, he is also a solid defender and safe under the high ball.

He has the temperament to go all the way in the game, having featured on the biggest stage in only his 13th senior appearance.

Defining moment:

Walker signed his first professional contract with Leeds just two years after suffering a fractured skull playing for Oulton Invaders under-14s.

Best season:

The then 17-year-old Walker scored a hat-trick on his debut for Rhinos in a 2017 Challenge Cup win over Doncaster.

He made 13 appearances that season, 10 in the starting lineup and was chosen for the Grand Final against Castleford Tigers, becoming the youngest player - at 18 years and 60 days - to win a Super League title.

Concerns:

Walker is as tough as they come, as his return from the broken skull proved, but isn’t the biggest of full-backs at 5ft8 (1.79m) and 13st7 (87kg).

He has already taken some punishment, needing surgery on a damaged shoulder last year and is currently on the casualty list with a foot injury which has left him in doubt for Rhinos’ return against Huddersfield Giants on August 2.

Value:

Walker signed a five-year contract in June last year, which illustrates how highly thought of he is at Leeds. He has been their number one since the 2019 season and his form was a reason previous full-back Ashton Golding was allowed to leave the club to join rivals Huddersfield Giants.

Richie Myler has done a good job standing in, but as the squad’s only specialist full-back Rhinos need Walker fit and available.

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