Leeds Rhinos full-back Jack Walker will be 'better than ever' this year

At just 20, the full-back is preparing to begin his fourth campaign in Rhinos’ first team squad and already has a Grand Final win to his name.

But, though he made 22 appearances, Walker was hampered by a shoulder injury through much of 2019, which kept him out of England Knights’ autumn Test against Jamaica and, he reckons, prevented him from playing his best rugby.

Surgery at the end of the season cured that issue and Walker is aiming to be firing on all cylinders when Rhinos begin their Betfred Super League marathon at home to Hull in two days’ time.

Walker is now the only specialist full-back in Rhinos’ senior squad following Ashton Golding’s off-season transfer to Huddersfield Giants.

He impressed in Rhinos’ pre-season warm-up matches against Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors and confirmed: “I am feeling really good.

“I have fixed a few things up in pre-season so I am really looking forward to Sunday.

“I am feeling much fitter and stronger and my decision-making is feeling a lot more comfortable.”

Walker, who made his debut in 2017 and played in the Old Trafford win over Castleford Tigers later that year, insisted the mood in Rhinos’ camp going into the new season is “miles better than it has been”.

He said: “There’s a real togetherness about the group.

“Hopefully that will transfer into games and we’ll look better on the field.”

Sunday’s visitors Hull are fancied to do well in 2020 after some impressive off-season recruitment.

They ended a long wait for a victory at Emerald Headingley with a two-point win there last July and Walker expects a tough game as both teams look to get off to a positive start.

“We’ve had a look at them and they are a big set of lads,” he said.

“They have got some skilful players, like Jake Connor, so it is going to be challenging, but I don’t see why we can’t get a win.

“Every week is going to be tough, there’s been a lot of good signings so it is going to be a tough year, but a good one.”

Rhinos have lost their opening fixture in three of the past four years and a win in round one this time would boost hopes they have turned a corner since Richard Agar took over as coach last spring.

Walker, though, said consistency is the key for Leeds this term. He vowed: “We need to start well, but we need to maintain it as well.

“Sometimes we will play well and go 20 points up and then get complacent and that’s when teams come back at us.

“Hopefully we can stick it out to the very end this year. I think we can do that, especially with Galey [half-back Luke Gale] coming in and having Rob [Lui] there as well.

“I think that will be a really good partnership and I’m loving playing with Galey.

“He has given me little tips how to become better and it’s great to have him here.

“Rob’s class as well and it’s all about getting better.

“I am still young so I am always looking to get better.”