RYAN Shaw is determined to step up a level in 2019 after missing a large part of this year’s Super League campaign due to injury.

The Barrow Island youth product suffered knee ligament damage during Hull Kingston Rovers’ 52-22 win over Salford Red Devils in July which ultimately required surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Shaw was the Robins’ top point-scorer prior to suffering the injury, but the 26-year-old has been working hard to get back to full fitness after that blow and wants to show Rovers head coach Tim Sheens he deserves a new contract too.

“You have to step it up,” Shaw told the Hull Daily Mail. “I don’t think too much about contracts and things like that, but it’s in your mind and you know you have to step it up.

“I’ve had a bit longer to get ready for pre-season because of my injury and that’s helped me, but I know I have to step it up this season.”

Shaw, whose father Neil played for and captained Barrow, is optimistic of being ready to go for Rovers’ Super League season-opener at home to cross-city rivals Hull FC on Friday, February 1.

The team have strengthened during the off-season, including Jimmy Keinhorst coming in from Leeds Rhinos and Kane Linnett making the switch from NRL side North Queensland Cowboys.

And Shaw is impressed with the new additions.

“It’s a good thing we’ve got some real competition now,” said Shaw.

“The first three weeks of training are all about blowing the cobwebs off and getting your fitness but then after you start to play a bit and come together as a team and that’s what we’re doing now.

“We’re learning how the new players like to play.”