2021 is shaping up to a pivotal year for Castleford Tigers stand-off Jake Trueman.

After recently signing a new deal at the West Yorkshire based club, he will be aiming to break into the England squad at the Rugby League World Cup being held on home soil later in the year.

With the likes of George Williams and Jonny Lomax in the frame for the playmaking roles for Shaun Wane’s team, Trueman will need to be at his best to be selected.

And while it is only March, the early signs are good. On Sunday Trueman was electric in the Tigers’ 30-20 win over Hull KR.

He bagged two tries and terrorized the Robins at times with his runs and his kicking game. His first try was a sensational 60-metre effort when he outpaced the opposition and stepped Adam Quinlan on his way to the line.

Trueman’s second was a simply sleight of hand, a dummy and step inside close to the line to dive over. It was smart and classy ball-playing.

Trueman might be young but he is already entering his fifth year in Super League. He debuted back in 2017 as a teenager and has already represented England in the World Cup Nines.

The halfback has always had an impressive running game, and natural talent, but on Sunday his kicking selection and game-management was just as impressive.

2020 was a struggle for the Bradford Bulls academy product with a back injury hampering. Trueman has always been a prodigious talent, but now he is adding experience and knowledge to his repertoire.

While it was just one pre-season game, with many much more important ones to come, the omens are positive that this season could be a big one for him.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell was full of praise for the playmaker after the game.

“Jake Trueman was pretty special,” Powell told Everything Rugby League.

“He’s ha a great pre-season. He had a few things last year, which weren’t great with his back. But he’s in great shape.

“He has worked hard overall on things, on his kicking game…. he showed it today.”

If the Tigers are to enjoy a successful season this year then Trueman needs to fire.

And with him becoming a free agent at the end of 2021, and rumoured clubs like Warrington showing interest, along with a World Cup approaching the time is right for the stand-off’s star to rise in Super League.