Leeds Rhinos memories: Peter Smith picks 5 favourites from 30 years reporting for the Yorkshire Evening Post
Rugby league writer Peter Smith joined the Yorkshire Evening Post 30 years ago next March and has reported on all but six of Leeds Rhinos’ games in that time.
Having been privileged to cover the club throughout its greatest era, when eight Super League titles were won from 2004-2017, here are five of his favourite memories.
5: April 11, 1997. Leeds Rhinos 13, St Helens 12. The night Super League finally took off at Headingley. In Iestyn Harris’ full debut, Leeds defied the odds to beat the reigning champions thanks to Bobbie Goulding’s missed conversion from in front of the post in the final moments.
4: May 1, 1999. Leeds Rhinos 52, London Broncos 16. Challenge Cup final at Wembley. Leeds hadn’t won rugby league’s most famous knockout competition for 21 years, but that disappointment was forgotten as they routed London by a record score, after trailing 10-0 early on and 16-12 soon after half-time.
3: February 9, 2002. Bradford Bulls 4, Leeds Rhinos 17. Challenge Cup round four, at Valley Parade. Arch-rivals Bulls had won the World Club Challenge week before and embarrassed Rhinos 62-18 at the end of the previous season. Leeds were given no chance, but left the hosts looking like World Club chumps.
2: September 25, 2015. Huddersfield Giants 16, Leeds Rhinos 20. Ryan Hall’s match; the winger scored a winning try after the hooter as Rhinos snatched the Super League leaders’ shield out of Wigan Warriors’ grasp. Scenes in the away end were unforgettable.
1: October 16, 2004. Leeds Rhinos 16, Bradford Bulls 8. Grand Final at OId Trafford. Or to be even more specific, the 75th minute when Danny McGuire swooped over to score the try which sealed the game and coveted title for Rhinos. After 32 years, Leeds were champions again.
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