It is hard to improve on a Man of Steel season, but Leeds Rhinos’ Jake Connor intends to do just that.

Rhinos’ reigning player of the year had an outstanding debut campaign with Leeds, with eight touchdowns and 93 goals in all competitions as well as 30 Betfred Super League try assists. That form and consistency made him Rhinos’ first winner of the sport’s most prestigious individual award for 10 years, but Connor is set to make his first appearance of the new campaign at home to York Knights on Friday and reckons he can be better.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Connor - who wasn’t selected for Leeds’ Betfred Challenge Cup third round win at Widnes Vikings and missed last week’s defeat away to Leigh Leopards with a knee injury – said. “I feel like my hold over the team’s a lot better and my understanding of the team is a lot better.

After a delayed start, Jake Connor says he is ready for another big season with Leeds Rhinos. Picture by Steve Riding.

“It probably took me 20 rounds last year to fully get to grips with the position. I have nailed that down over pre-season so I am in a better place there. Our combinations - me, Lachie [Miller] and Crofty [Brodie Croft] - are better and there’s a few details I have been working on to improve over the last year. I feel like I am in a better place than I was last year.”

Connor, 31, originally signed a two-year contract, but that was extended last December until the end of 2029 and he feels that’s another bonus. He added: “It is good, I don’t have to worry about that now. That’s all I want, just to focus on rugby.

“Now that’s out of the way I can focus on hopefully playing well. Leeds have been great with me ever since I came here; I’ve got my reward out of it, but ultimately the players and staff have made me the player I am.”

Now Leeds’ number seven, Connor wore the 18 jersey last year and when he arrived at the club it wasn’t clear which position he’d play. He began the season at full-back and switched into the halves, alongside Croft, when Miller returned from injury.

Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor feels his partnership with stand-off Brodie Croft, pictured, is more settled this year. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

The trio have trained together in those roles throughout the winter and Connor said: “As a team we are more settled. It has helped with me, Lachie and Crofty being on the field at the same time in pre-season, getting a good eight weeks under our belt together which we didn’t have last year. I think we are looking more fluent and that will only help us.”

Despite the defeat last week, Connor believes Rhinos are ahead of where they were 12 months ago and are capable of lifting silverware in 2026. He stressed: “I have won one Challenge Cup in my career and I’ve been around a lot. When you get to this age, opportunities don’t come around that often. Hopefully this year we can go one better. We have definitely got the squad for it and the coaches for it.”