Jack Walker gives Leeds coach Richard Agar food for thought with star showing

The 21-year-old was recalled for only his second appearance in six months and seized his opportunity by producing two tries and an assist, while winger Ash Handley grabbed a hat-trick as the Rhinos warmed up for next Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Salford with a seven-try display.

READ: Hull 22-40 Leeds: Ash Handley hat-trick inspires Rhinos to victory over Hull

Walker, who has been nursing a foot injury for most of the year, got his chance when Agar switched Richie Myler back into the halves in the absence of Robert Lui, who will be given every chance to shake off his slight injuries.

Agar said: “It’s a good quandary. Richie has been in terrific form but we need to check on Robbie.

“If Robbie is not fit, then Jack is right in there with a chance. If not, I’ve a strong dilemma, it’s a good position to be in.

“Robbie has got a couple of little knocks and at the moment we’re really confident it’s not something that a couple of days rest won’t solve. At this stage he’s not too much of a concern.”

Agar has also been handed a potential disciplinary headache over a possible crusher tackle from Tom Holroyd but he was relieved to avoid any further injuries a week away from the final against Salford.

Agar added: “It was probably not an 80-minute performance. There were patches in there.

“But we’ve got to put it in perspective. We had a five-day turnaround on the back of an emotional semi-final win, we’ve got a game to negotiate without picking up an injury, we had a Covid scare and we found out about our opposition at about 9.30 last night.

“In the circumstances, I’m pleased we got through it and we got the two points. And we’ve come through injury free.”

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