6. Leeds Rhinos
I think it will be a season of steady improvement and stability for Leeds in 2020 following some astute progression during the final third of last season.
There was a clear improvement in defence and mental toughness under Richard Agar. A halfback partnership of Robert Lui and Luke Gale looks very promising, as they complement each other well. Lui is a maverick of a player who takes the line on, is good at beating defenders with his footwork and power and has the ball skills to create something out of nothing. Everyone knows what Gale is all about: an organising scrumhalf with a good long-range kicking game. If he even gets close to the level he reached in 2017, and Lui is more consistent than he was at Salford, Leeds could be in for a very promising campaign.
The backline has some quality and strike too. Konrad Hurrell is an absolute juggernaut of a centre and the exciting Harry Newman will be looking to kick on after his breakthrough year. It’s the pack where I think Leeds look a bit vulnerable, and the loss of Trent Merrin clearly doesn’t help that, but experienced NRL forward Matt Prior should be a solid recruit.
The lack of genuine power and size in the pack might result in Leeds struggling away from home, especially against the better sides.
Key Player – Luke Gale. It will be a big test of the veteran scrum-half to get Leeds round the park following two serious, long-term injuries. He has proven he possesses the skill and intelligence, but can he physically cope with a full season of high-intense rugby league? He will be keen to prove the doubters wrong.
