Luke Hooley insists he is not joining Leeds Rhinos to make up the numbers, and when you consider his journey to get to this point, it is perhaps not surprising he has that mindset. The 24-year-old is one of a number of talented young players from outside of Super League whom the Rhinos have handed contracts to for 2023, with Hooley signing a two-year deal.
But Hooley's story so far is unlike any of Leeds' other new recruits. He first crossed paths with Leeds head coach Rohan Smith as a junior at Bradford before the club were liquidated - and Smith actually wanted to give him a full-time contract prior to the Bulls' demise.
That led to him signing a three-year deal with Wakefield before dropping down to the Championship with Batley Bulldogs, where he earned a reputation as one of the best young players outside of Super League. And Hooley hopes his story has shown that stepping away from the top-flight does not signify the end of your career after landing a dream deal with Leeds.
