After a promising pre-season, Rhinos won only one of their opening six matches and were heading towards a relegation dogfight when Richard Agar stepped down as coach in March.
Just one win from their first 10 games made it the worst start to a campaign in the club’s history, but interim-boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan steadied the ship and Rhinos were transformed under new coach Rohan Smith.
The Australian, whose uncle Tony Smith masterminded Rhinos’ 2004 and 2007 Super League triumphs, won 13 of his 19 games in charge and took Leeds all the way to their first Grand Final in five seasons.
It was a year which saw experienced players come and go – Zak Hardaker doing both – and some highly promising youngsters gain a first taste of top level action.
There was also success for Rhinos’ academy, women’s and physical disability sides.
The Yorkshire Evening Post chronicled it all. Here’s a pictorial review of an unforgettable 12 months.
7. Nap Handley
Ash Handley became the first Rhinos player for 10 years to score five tries in a game during a record 62-16 win at Hull on July 2. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
8. Chip off the block
Jack Sinfield, son of former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, is pictured shaking hands with coach Rohan Smith before Leeds' defeat at Toulouse Olympique on July 16. Sinfield made his debut, aged 17, against Castleford at Easter and featured five times during 2022. Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
9. Home comforts
Brad Dwyer left to join Hull at the end of the campain, after five years with Rhinos. He was a try scorer in a memorable 42-12 win over his hometown club Wigan on July 21 as Leeds returned to Headingley following six successive games on the road. Rhinos were unbeaten at home under Rohan Smith. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. Hail Sezer
Aidan Sezer scored a golden-point try to seal an incredible 36-32 win at Catalans on July 30. Leeds trailed 30-6 when Matt Prior was sent-off with 26 minutes remaining, but - inspired by hat-trick hero Richie Myler - staged their greatest-ever comeback. Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com - 30/07/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 21 - Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos - Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France - Aidan Sezer of Leeds Rhinos runs to score the winning try Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
11. Class act
Morgan Gannon, who turned 19 in December, was a Super League young player of the year nominee in 2022. He scored six tries in 25 appearances, including a brace at Hull KR on August 12. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. Never say die
Rhinos developed a never-say-die spirit under Rohan Smith, winning three games in the final seconds including an 18-14 success against Huddersfield at Headingley on August 24. Blake Austin pulled that match from the fire after Leeds trailed 14-12 with time almost up. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com