Leeds Rhinos: Five questions to answer in 2020

1: Is coach Richard Agar the right man to take the team forward? Agar seemed a stop-gap solution when he, reluctantly, replaced Dave Furner last May, but the team’s fortunes improved and he was handed a one-year contract towards the end of the campaign. Stability was needed and he has provided it, the players respect him and he has certainly earned his opportunity.

2: Will the Luke Gale gamble pay off? Signing the 2017 Man of Steel was a gamble only in terms of his fitness, after he missed the whole of last season and much of 2018. A Leeds lad, Gale is desperately keen to play for the club he supported as a youngster, boasts all the required skills, plus a good attitude and has progressed at every club he’s joined. Now fully fit, if he stays that way - and there’s no obvious reason why not - he will prove an excellent addition.

3: Can Rhinos’ youngsters make the step up? The likes of Cameron Smith and Mikolaj Oledzki have had a taste over the past few seasons and now need to be claiming a regular place in the 17. Both impressed in pre-season matches and this could be their breakthrough year. Others, such as Tom Holroyd and Callum McLelland, have had a taste and, while they won’t be first-choice at the start, also have the ability to do a job if called upon.

4: Is Rhinos’ pack strong enough? Brad Singleton and Trent Merrin, both regulars last term, have moved on and Rhinos looked a bit under-powered when - with Matt Prior missing - Ava Seumanufagai limped off in the trial at Wigan. However, that’s where Oledzki and Holroyd come in. Both are big men and physically won’t look out of place. That said, another big front-rower would be welcome.

5: Are Rhinos back on the up? That’s the key question and only time will tell, but the culture seems to have improved from early last year, morale and team spirit are high there’s a willingness among the players to work together for a common goal.