Walker enjoying growing Gale partnership

Leeds fullback Jack Walker insists the partnership between him and Luke Gale is improving every week.

Both players were instrumental as the Rhinos came from behind to beat Salford 22-8 and claim their second win of the season.

They notched up a try each, while Gale kicked three goals despite tough conditions.

From the opening whistle the players were tested with driving rain and swirling wind, but Walker was satisfied with how his side dealt with it.

The wind made it really tough,” said the 20-year-old. “Especially in the second half when (Joey) Lussick was putting the kicks into the corners, it was tough to get out of there.

“There was one little error when they got a 40/20 but I thought we dealt with it quite well.

“In the first half we were nowhere near where we should have been. There were too many errors, we didn’t finish our sets right and our defence wasn’t as aggressive as it should have been.

“They were making 40 to 50 yards coming away from their own line which isn’t good, especially with the wind coming at them as well. But obviously we fixed that up in the second half and ran away with the game.”

Ahead of the season, all eyes were on the Rhinos’ spine, after the well-publicised signing of England international Luke Gale.

So far, head coach Richard Agar has chosen to start Walker and Gale alongside Rob Lui, with Richie Myler having a utility role off the bench.

“Things are coming together,” Walker insisted. “But we don’t want to start getting ahead of ourselves as we’re obviously going to take time to build.

“Obviously with the new halfbacks and me getting on (together), and with Luke Gale coming in and stuff like that. It will all take time but we’re going in the right direction.”

The Rhinos’ next challenge is arguably their biggest of the season so far. They face Warrington on Friday and Walker knows how difficult their opposition will be.

“Obviously they beat Saints so it’s going to be very tough. But if we stick to our game plan and nail what we need to then we’ll come away with the two points.”