Leeds Rhinos rookie Corey Hall eyes up Super League breakthrough

The centre made two substitute appearances in the competition last year, after joining Rhinos - as a 17-year-old and the youngest member of their first team squad - from Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2020 campaign.

It was a big step up, in tough circumstances as part of two inexperienced Rhinos teams, but Hall acquitted himself well and is hoping to add to his senior experience this year.

“It was one of the best moments of my career so far, making my debut,” Hall, now 18, said of coming off the bench against Catalans Dragons at Emerald Headingley last September.

“Once you get that taste it gives you more determination to keep pushing forward to try and have that week in and week out.

“But obviously it is a learning curve at this stage and I was grateful for the chance Rich [Agar, Rhinos’ coach] gave me.”

Hall’s debut came in the week leading up to Rhinos’ Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan, when Agar rested most of his first-choice players for the big game.

He also featured when another inexperienced Leeds side were beaten at champions and eventual Grand Final winners St Helens six days after the club’s Wembley victory.

It was a baptism of fire - against close to full-strength, top-four opposition in both games - but having dipped his toe in the water, Hall’s confidence was boosted. He reflected: “I would say I coped okay.

“Catalans are one of the most physical sides in the comp’, with the likes of [Israel] Folau and [Sam] Moa, so going up against them, we had to really dig deep.”

Agar has made it clear he sees promoting young players into Super League as a key part of his job. The coach this week confirmed Hall is “creeping up behind” the likes of Jack Broadbent and Alex Sutcliffe, who in turn are snapping at the heels of established centres Konrad Hurrell, Harry Newman and Liam Sutcliffe.

Rhinos have a smaller squad this year, but Hall has moved up the order from number 36 to 28 and he described Agar’s pledge to give young players a chance as “really encouraging”.

He said: “It means that every session you just want to do your best, so when that opportunity comes you can make the most of it. We have got a really good bunch of young lads here, all with great potential and talent.”

Hall trained with Rhinos’ senior squad in pre-season last year, so knew what to expect when preparations began last month, but things haven’t quite gone to plan so far.

“I didn’t get the best of starts, because of Covid,” said Hall, who was one of the players who tested positive for coronavirus, leading to Rhinos’ Kirkstall training base being closed down for 11 days.

“I wasn’t sure whether I had symptoms so I had a test and it came back positive so I had to isolate for 10 days. I was fine through it, but the week I was back I only managed to get in for two days, because of the snow - I couldn’t get over from Sheffield.

“Last week was the first full week I’ve had and I am looking to build from there. It was good to get back to reality and be around the lads and rip into training.”

Hall, who was capped by England at academy level, was born in Sheffield and had a spell with Wakefield Trinity before joining Wigan.

He was released from his Warriors contract to allow him to join a club nearer home and feels the move has worked out.

“I am enjoying it,” he said of life at Leeds. “I have settled in and it is a good environment to be around.”

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