Leeds Rhinos' new youngsters show 'bags of promise'

Walker will make his debut as academy team boss when Leeds’ youngsters visit Newcastle Thunder on Saturday (2pm).

Following the return of reserve grade rugby, the academy has become an under-19s competition this year, having been under-19s in previous seasons.

After a long pre-season, Walker is keen to see his charges in competitive action for the first time.

“It’s probably too early to say about first team potential, but there’s definitely a few who show promise,” he said.

“You can tell they have been well-coached, the scholarship at our place is unbelievable.

“They have been really good in pre-season and they are a good bunch of kids.

“Those who remain from Rob’s [Burrow] and Jonny’s [Wainhouse} team last year have really stood up and led from the front and Mark Buterill’s scholarship boys have really impressed me with the way they have gone about training.”

Walker, who is also an assistant-coach with Rhinos’ first team, has taken over from Burrow following his step up to reserve team boss.

The majority of Rhinos’ side are in their first year at academy level, but Walker stressed: “That’s not as big a deal as it was in the past when it was under-19s.

“I haven’t made an issue of that, I have confidence in them and I’ve just told them to go out and play.”

Leeds will be expected to beat Newcastle, whose side is mainly made up of players from the north east, but the travel and artificial pitch at Kingston Park make it a tricky first game.

Walker, though, insisted development is more important than results at academy level.

“A win for me is getting these kids through to the first team and for them it is getting better each day,” he said.

“We are looking for performance and things to work on and the score will look after itself if you do the right things.”

Rhinos are due to begin their home campaign against Wigan Warriors at Stanningley on Wednesday (7pm).