 Ward played his junior rugby at local amateur teams Morley Rugby Club, Churwell and Hunslet Warriors, when playing for these clubs people compared him to Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield.In 2010 he had an impressive season with the Rhinos U18's team delivering some great performances, he made the step up into the U20's the following season whilst also having the opportunity to train with the first team.He played in the friendly against Featherstone Rovers in 2011 and his performances for the U20's earned him a place in the Rhinos first team squad in 2012.