Lockdown a blessing in disguise for Leeds’s Walker

A SIX-MONTH injury could cost Leeds Rhinos full-back Jack Walker only one game.

Walker suffered serious damage to a foot during Rhinos’ 36-0 thrashing of Warrington Wolves on February 28 – and missed the big home win over Toronto Wolfpack six days later.

But Rhinos’ visit to Catalans Dragons the following week was postponed and there has been no rugby league played in this country since because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Walker has undergone surgery twice and been virtually housebound for most of the sport’s lay-off, but is now on the mend, beginning to step-up training and hopeful of being available for selection when Rhinos next take to the field.

“I had a second operation about two weeks ago, just to get the screw out of my foot,” said the 20-year-old. “I did my first fitness session last week and that went well, so I am flying.”

Though a date has yet to be confirmed, Betfred Super League is expected to return on August 16, with teams having matches in hand – including Rhinos – returning to action from the start of the month.

He said: “The timing has been perfect for me, to be fair. I only missed the Toronto game and that was it then, I haven’t missed any more games so it has worked out all right for me.”

Walker was in impressive form before the injury, having played in Rhinos’ opening four games and scored three tries.

But he admits the lockdown period has been tough for him: “I had my operation at the start of March and I had to quarantine for two weeks leading up to it, to make sure I didn’t have coronavirus. I had a pot on for six weeks and then I had a boot on; I had my second operation and I had to isolate again.

“I have been inside for a good two and a half to three months, which is a killer. It has been frustrating, but I went for my first bike ride last week and it was good to get out of the house.”

Players at professional clubs placed on furlough are not allowed to train together, but Walker said Leeds’ squad have been staying in touch and maintaining morale: “I play a fair bit of PS4 with a few of the boys and we have been keeping in contact.”