Hall expects tough treatment

Leeds Rhinos’ scoring sensation Ryan Hall believes he will be “a marked man” when he runs out against Crusaders in Wrexham on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).

The 22-year-old winger enjoyed a remarkable first full season in engage Super League as the Rhinos completed a hat-trick of Grand Final triumphs and he admits he had to pinch himself as the honours came thick and fast.

As well as being named in the Super League Dream Team after finishing top of the list with 32 tries in as many matches, Hall established himself in the England team and was named international rookie of the year.

He is hoping to pick up from where he left off when Leeds launch the defence of their crown against Crusaders at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night, but he is expecting the going to be tough.

“I was a bit of an unknown quantity last year but I’m not so much that this year so every time I score will count a bit more,” he said.

“I think a lot of teams will be highlighting the left side of our team because we scored a lot of tries there last year. Obviously, they’ll be analysing it a bit more.”

Hall will once more be outside Keith Senior and he is quick to give the credit to the vastly experienced centre for many of his tries.

“Last year was a bit of an eye-opener for myself,” he recalled. “When I found out I’d be playing with Keith for the whole season I thought “wow, this is great”.

“It’s not so strange any more, it’s what I’m used to. Obviously he’s a great player and I praise him highly for what he did for me. Apart from putting me away for tries, he talks to me all the time.”

Tickets for Crusaders v Leeds Rhinos on Friday 29 January (kick-off 8pm), priced from just £7 for juniors and £15 for adults, can be purchased through the club’s ticket office on 01978 262129, by calling into the Wrexham FC club shop or via the club’s official website.