ABBY’S FIGHTING ON ALL FRONTS Teen soldier: It’s amazing battling for Leeds Rhinos and the Army

EXCLUSIVE

LEEDS star Abby Eatock was the Rhinos secret weapon in last year’s charge to Grand Final glory.

But now serving soldier Eatock has her sights set on far more serious targets – helping the country during coronavirus lockdown.

The 19-year-old gunner, who has been in the Army for two years, is on standby waiting to see if her regiment is needed.

She said: “We’re on 12 hours’ notice with our bags packed, ready to go wherever and do whatever is needed.

“People think being in the Army is all about war, but it’s far more than that.

“Last year we helped put sandbags out during the floods and this time it could be about helping vulnerable people or day-to-day stuff to help the emergency services.

“It’s a good feeling for anyone when they help someone, but when it’s your job to help there is a lot of pride.”

Eatock was signed by Leeds last summer when they spotted her starring in the Army’s Challenge Shield win – a performance that helped her win the Army’s Woman of Steel title.

She made an instant impact at the Rhinos, scoring seven tries in five games, including one in the Grand Final.

Her second season with Leeds is on hold because of the pandemic but, already this year, she’s been named in the England Performance Squad and helped Lancashire win the Origin Series over Yorkshire.

The Wigan-born full back or centre said: “I’ve played rugby league since I was five – I come from Wigan so it was never going to be anything else. So for me to be playing now for both the Army and Leeds is amazing.

“Being in the Army is beyond all my expectations. I only got interested in joining when my brother, who is two years older, went in.

“I saw the pride with which everyone looked at him and I thought I want some of that. I love my job.” Eatock, who is based at Catterick, had to self-isolate for two weeks after one of the Army rugby team showed symptoms.

But since the start of April she’s been on standby to go wherever the Army is needed and admits she’s desperate to help. She said: “It’s driving me up the wall being in lockdown because I want to get out and help people and I miss my friends, family and playing rugby.

“But of course the more people stay at home, the sooner we will all be back, hopefully. We’ve all got a part to play.”

Mental health has been an issue for many who are in lockdown, stuck at home, but Eatock says her Army training helps her.

She added: “Everyone is human and has their own demons but the Army is really supportive and helps us deal with different situations.

“You’ve just got to focus on the bigger picture – the people who are not so healthy and who are vulnerable – so you have to keep yourself to yourself to prevent any of them getting ill.”

JOB Andy Last ANDY LAST was forced to keep his England success secret from his mum and dad because of coronavirus. Hull’s interim coach found out that new national boss Shaun Wane wanted him as his assistant about seven weeks ago. He had it PROUD MOMENT Gunner Abby Eatock with her grandad William at her Passing Out ceremony confirmed a couple of weeks later – but issues caused by the pandemic meant it wasn’t announced publicly until this week. Last, 38, said: “It has been difficult to keep it quiet. I didn’t even tell my mum and dad. I kept my cards very close to my chest because I didn’t want it getting out before the official announcement. “When I finally told my mum and dad they were over the moon. It was special to tell them that I’d be coaching at the elite level.” Wane, who has appointed Paul Wellens as his other assistant, knew Last from their coaching careers. But they’ve never worked together before and Last was shocked when he realised that Wane wanted him. Last thought he was going for an interview for the job, but turned up to discover ex-Wigan coach Wane had already decided it was his.