Player focus - Why scrum-half Luke Gale will prove pivotal to Leeds Rhinos’ Super League campaign

He began his career in Rhinos’ academy, but - with Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow ahead of him in the pecking order - had to make a name for himself elsewhere before returning to Leeds from Castleford Tigers last autumn.

Gale was a key piece in the jigsaw as coach Richard Agar and director of rugby Kevin Sinfield began piecing together a side capable of challenging for honours.

Today, with 24 days to go until Betfred Super League resumes, we turn the spotlight on Gale and what he offers to Leeds’ bid to get back among the title contenders.

Attributes: Gale has everything a half-back needs. He is quick, with good feet and can read a game. He is excellent when he puts boot to ball, both in general play and as a goal kicker and is a noted drop goal expert.

Gale can score and create tries and, like most of the best scrum-halves, has some cheekiness to his game - as he proved by high-fiving Rob Lui before the stand-off scored in Leeds’ big win over Toronto.

Throughout his career - from Leeds academy to Doncaster, to Harlequins, Bradford Bulls and then Castleford - he has improved himself with every move and the early signs from his time back at Rhinos have been highly encouraging.

Defining moment: Gale played in Tigers’ 2017 Super League semi-final against St Helens just 16 days after having his appendix removed.

He kept his nerve to land a last-gasp penalty which sent the tie into extra-time and then booted the winning golden-point drop goal to create one of Super League’s most memorable moments.

Best season: Three years ago Gale was the top player in Super League. He was the kingpin for Tigers - scoring 14 tries, 145 goals and nine one-pointers in 30 games - as they finished 10 points clear at the top of the table and reached their first Grand Final

Named Man of Steel and selected in the Super League Dream Team, he also starred in England’s march to the World Cup final, where they were beaten narrowly by hosts Australia.

Concerns: None, in terms of ability, enthusiasm or commitment. He suffered a fractured kneecap in 2018 and missed the whole of the following season after snapping an Achilles during a January training session so Leeds’ decision to sign the then 31-year-old on a three-year deal - and pay Tigers a fee - was considered a gamble.

Value: Gale is pivotal to Rhinos’ chances of achieving anything this year. Though they have cover in the halves, with Richie Myler and Callum McLelland both able to step in, Gale is the main man.

As well as standing in for Stevie Ward as skipper, he controls the play and his influence on the side over their opening five games was crystal clear.

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