Leeds Rhinos: Brett Delaney sees plenty of positives for defending champions

Having trained with Ferres and played alongside him in two trial games, Delaney reckons the former Huddersfield Giants man will add to Rhinos’ squad this year.

“He is an international player and he will bring a lot to the team, especially in attack,” Delaney said of Ferres. “He is a great player so he is a good buy for us.

“He has come in a bit late, but it was good to see him get a good hit-out on Sunday (against Bradford Bulls in Carl Ablett’s testimonial game) and that’s only the start.

“I think we will see a lot more from him.”

Delaney is also looking forward to seeing what former Australian Test prop Keith Galloway and ex-Gold Coast Titans hooker Beau Falloon can do in Super League.

He said: “I played schoolboys with Keith, New South Wales Combined Catholics, in my last year of school. It was a long time ago now, but it is good to see him and Beau here – and it’s good to have a couple more Aussies in the team!

“They are still learning how we play, it will take time, but we’ll get there.”

Delaney has been impressed with how Rhinos’ youngsters have performed in pre-season and feels Rhinos’ squad is looking strong.

“We have got some good juniors as well, which is good to see,” he added. “Singo (Brad Singleton) is really stepping up, he will only get better and that’s good to see.

“He is pushing everyone, we have got strong competition in the pack and that can only benefit all us players.”

On a personal note, Delaney is feeling fit and fresh after an extended off-season break.

“I was fortunate to get enough time off to spend Christmas at home this year,” he said. “I hadn’t been at home for a few years and it was five years since I was home for Christmas, but the club gave me some extra time off, I spent it at home in Aus’ and it was great.”

Delaney did not play in Rhinos’ first two trial games, but started against USA Hawks at Jacksonville and in last Sunday’s derby. He reckons he is on track for the start of the season, in eight days’ time, despite some ring rust.

“I’ve only been back training a couple of weeks,” he said. “I had another knee operation at the end of the year, so it is good to be back out there.

“I wanted to get through last year without an op’, but I didn’t manage it. I can’t remember the last time I did, but it’s just good to be back.

“I was a bit rusty, obviously, but I am looking to improve on that performance.”

Delaney believes the same applies to the team effort. Bradford led at the break before the champions pulled away to win 26-12 and the second-rower said: “We needed that. Bradford are a good side and it was tough early on, we just didn’t hold on to the ball enough.

“We have got Warrington next week, so we’re back to the drawing board in training and we’ll start again.”