Bill Leyland hopes to reward Hull KR's show of trust after making a long-awaited return from injury last weekend. The hooker is one of Rovers' new recruits and made his bow for the club in the Amsterdam Challenge.

It was Leyland's first game in 362 days. Last year, Leyland received shattering news as he suffered a dreaded ACL injury during a pre-season game while playing for London Broncos. That saw his season finished before it had started, a devastating blow for a player who was being tipped to shine in Super League after an excellent season in the Championship.

However, Hull KR decided to make their move for the 21-year-old anyway, believing his potential was worth investing in despite the injury setback. Their move came as a huge relief to Leyland, who now hopes to justify the club's decision.

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"I was worried because I thought the opportunity was gone to show what I could do," he said. "I thought I'd have to go and do another season in the Championship and build my career back up again. The fact KR came in was such a relief to me because it also meant I didn't have to try and force my recovery and try to showcase myself in the final few games before being right and up to speed. I could focus on my recovery and be ready to nail this pre-season."

Leyland showed some promising signs in the Netherlands, with his running ability around the ruck particularly promising.

"It was about getting out there, getting minutes under my belt. It was a long time because I did a pre-season, did the injury, then had nine months of rehab to get back running. Then I was back into a pre-season.

"So it felt like there was no real reward for what I was doing. So to get back out there was just great and to pull on the shirt for the first time, it felt like a big moment.

"I felt sharp in some moments but in others, a little rusty. There are bits of skill that I need to pick up. All in all, I don't think I had a bad game for the first in twelve months."

With Jez Litten and Micky McIlorum in the squad, Leyland is aware that first-team opportunities might be hard to come by this year but intends on the season being put to good use.

"My expectation is to learn from those two, be a sponge and absorb everything possible. I've had hookers like Sam Davis teach me a few things, but never the 300, 400 hame hookers with international experience who can take me to the next level.

"So I want to be a sponge this year, gain as much knowledge as possible and hopefully play some games too. Hopefully I get some games but I want to build and learn to be ready for next year.

"I'm itching to go. If and when Willie thinks I'm deserving of a shot I'll be ready and when it comes I perform to the ability I know I can do."