Luke Hooley has set himself a target of playing “at least 10 games” for Leeds Rhinos in 2023. The highly-rated full-back has moved to Headingley on a two-year deal from Batley Bulldogs, where he emerged as one of the most promising young talents outside of Super League.
The switch from Batley to big-city Leeds has reunited Hooley with Rohan Smith, who he worked with briefly at Bradford Bulls in 2016. Smith sees the 24-year-old as a player with significant potential but Hooley will initially play second fiddle to Richie Myler, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign in 2022 as Leeds reached the Grand Final.
Hooley, a boyhood Rhinos supporter who grew up idolising Danny McGuire, told Leeds Live: “When I first spoke to Rohan about coming to Leeds, I was going to be third choice. Richie Myler was obviously first-choice and Zak Hardaker was also still here at the time.
Reda more: Former rugby league star encouraged to join OnlyFans after naked modelling pictures
“It’s worked in my favour that Zak didn’t resign but ultimately I would have taken that challenge on because Richie can also play in the halves and Zak can play in the centres. I was also looking forward to working with Zak because he’s one of the best full-backs in the game and a player I admire greatly.
“With Zak no longer here I’ve gone to second choice now for that full-back spot, I would have thought. I’ll learn a lot from Richie as well, no doubt, and I want to pressure him obviously. It’d be nice to play in the pre-season friendlies and then be in the matchday seventeen for round one of Super League.
“Rohan said to me ‘what if you make that round one, what’s your goal then?’ Ultimately I’d like to play 10 or more games throughout the season. I think that would be a good first year but really I’d be happy to play as many games as possible.”
Hooley, who hails from Dewsbury, spent time in the youth ranks at Bradford before joining Wakefield Trinity. “I was always third-choice at full-back at Wakefield,” remembered Hooley.
“The first year I was there, Scott Grix was there – and now I’m getting coached by him at Leeds – and then Max Jowitt, who’s another very good player in my position. They were stacked with good players but I tried my best and it just never happened.
“I also needed to mature a bit and develop physically, which I’ve since done at Batley. When I was at Wakefield, I was only 70kg but now I’m 6ft 2in and weigh over 90kg, so I’ve put a lot of size on since then.”
Hooley did not manage to play a first-game for Trinity but thrived in the Championship at Batley under head coach Craig Lingard and his assistant Mark Moxon.
“Linners is the face of Batley but behind the scenes, Mocco is probably the brains of the rugby operation there,” said Hooley. “They work so well together as a duo and Linners will tell you himself what a great right-hand man Mocco is for him. I really enjoyed working with them.”
Hooley’s move to Headingley has necessitated giving up his job to go full-time. He explained: “I worked with Elite Kids Coaching, owned by Ryan Hudson and Wayne Godwin, and you’d go into schools coaching all kinds of sports. I did that every day of the week but have had to give it up to take up the opportunity at Leeds. It’s a big chance for me.”
Read next
Ian Watson provides Huddersfield Giants injury update and pre-season warm-up opponents
George Burgess announces early retirement as injury takes its toll
Muizz Mustapha's message to Lee Radford after Castleford Tigers move
Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield writes emotional tribute after Doddie Weir passing
Salford Red Devils make contract offer to Brodie Croft amid NRL interest
