Former Wath Brow Hornet James Donaldson is hoping to rebuild his career with Leeds Rhinos.

The Cumbrian packman was let go by Hull KR at the end of last year after four years with the East Yorkshire side but has since signed on a month’s trial with the Rhinos, in the hopes of earning a permanent contract with the Super League outfit.

Donaldson admitted recently he had even looked for a job outside of rugby league as he faced an uncertain future before joining Leeds.

“I was training on my own and I put all my eggs in this basket,” he told League Express.

“Before it happened, I applied for a part-time job to help tick me over while I didn’t have a club. I actually got an interview for the job after a couple of days too, but I won’t say what the job was!

“It was initially going to happen a few weeks earlier but then it didn’t – then Kevin (Sinfield) called me and offered me the trial: and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Donaldson did feature for Leeds in their Boxing Day win over Wakefield and is hoping that he can do enough to earn a contract from Sinfield and coach Dave Furner.

He said he felt like he fitted in at Headingley and is hoping to sit down with the Leeds bosses and sort his future soon after a stressful few weeks.

And in the meantime Donaldson will continue to train with the Rhinos.