There are close connections between the sides, with Trinity boss Daryl Powell being a former Leeds coach, while Wakefield’s Corey Hall, Liam Hood and Jay Pitts all played for Rhinos. They are in good company, a host of players having turned out for both clubs since Super League began in 1996. Here’s a 17 of players with past experience at Rhinos and Trinity.
7. Stand-off: Tony Kemp
The Kiwi international played for Leeds in the pre- and early-Super League era and then had two spells with Wakefield, including a brief stint as player/coach. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
8. Scrum-half: Luke Gale
A Rhinos academy product, Gale returned to Leeds in the 2020 season, kicking their winning drop goal in that year’s Challenge Cup final. He finished his playing career with Wakefield and is now on the coaching staff. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
9. Prop: Chris Feather
Impressive form for Wakefield, including two tries at Headingley in 2002, earned him a move to Rhinos. He returned to Belle Vue on loan during his four seasons with Leeds. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. Hooker: Paul Aiton
A Papua New Guinea hooker, Aiton was a 2014 Challenge Cup winner with Rhinos, having joined them from Wakefield. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Prop: Martin Masella
The Tongan hard man played for Rhinos from 1998-99 and appeared in the first Super League Grand Final. He moved to Wakefield in 2000, but the club’s financial crisis marred his one season there. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Second-row: Ali Lauitiiti
A member of Rhinos’ Hall of Fame, the five-time Super League champion ended his playing career with four seasons at Trinity. Photo: James Hardisty