LEEDS’ Ruby Walker has credited her Rhinos halfback partner Mel Howard for the strong start she has made to the season.
Having joined the club as an under 16 in 2022, Walker quickly moved through the ranks and was handed a first-team debut in 2024, before establishing herself as a first-choice half last season alongside former NRLW player Howard following Caitlin Casey’s move to St Helens.
“Mel has been massive for me,” said Walker, who started out playing for Dewsbury Moor.
“We have got a lot closer this season and working with her has really helped my game improve.
“She has been around a lot longer than I have, so it’s really good to have her alongside me
and she is constantly there to help me out.
“I have been messaging her after every game to see what she thinks and ask what I can improve on. We watch clips back together as well and because she plays in the same position as me she really helps me out.”
In the recent game against York, Walker had an involvement in several tries and while she is happy to set her teammates up for scores, she won’t be afraid to take any opportunities that come her way to get over for her own scores, which her coach Lois Forsell would actively encourage.
“It is good when you get involved in setting up tries for others,” added Walker. “It makes you happy during the game and keeps you going off the back of it.
“While there are always things you’d like to improve on, I feel I went better in that York game than I have in previous weeks, so it’s all about working hard to keep that going.
“The message from Lois has been to bring out the old me again where I’m getting in people’s faces in defence, hitting hard and running at the line if it’s on and going through the gap and not thinking I have to pass the ball.”