A QUICK GUIDE TO LEEDS RHINOS

The Opposition

In the opening round of Super League 2012 tonight, the Robins kick off their season against last year's champions, Leeds Rhinos. The Rhinos have won the Super League title five times in the past seven years and were the first team to win the Grand Final from 5th position when they took the crown in 2011.

Much of the club's recent ‘golden era' can be put down to their Academy set up and the talent it has produced. Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire and Kevin Sinfield are all products of the Rhinos' youth system, who have all represented their country and have been the catalyst for the team's success.

The likes of Zak Hardaker, Ben Jones Bishop and Kallum Watkins have all followed in their footsteps and are now making names for themselves in the Super League.

The Coach

Brian McDermott had an impossible job when he took over form Brian McClennan in 2010 after his four year stint at Harlequins. He had his critics when Leeds stuttered at the start of last season but the former Bradford Bulls player answered those critics in the best possible fashion by reaching the Challenge Cup Final and steering his side to Grand Final glory in 2011.

 

ONES TO WATCH

Ryan Hall: The 6ft 1in, 15 stone winger was arguably England's best player in last year's Four Nations. The tries he scored against Australia and New Zealand earned him a nomination for the Golden Boot award, putting him amongst the game's elite.

Kevin Sinfield: 'Captain Fantastic' has guided the team through its most successful period and thrives on pressure situations. Rarely misses a game and is at the heart of everything Leeds do.

Rob Burrow: The little big man of rugby league, Burrow's lightning speed and ability to turn something out of nothing has made him one of the fans' favourites at Leeds. His size is often his greatest asset as he uses it to evade the Super League's big guys.

 

OUT AND ABOUT

Pubs near the ground:

• The New Inn, Otley Road
• Skyrack, St Michaels Road 
• Original Oak Inn, Otley Road

Restaurants:

• Thai Sabai Restaurant, The Parade
• Citrus Restaurant. North Lane
• Palace Chine, Cardigan Fields Road

Hotels:

• Haley's Hotel, Shire Oak Road
• Boundary Hotel, Cardigan Road
• The Butlers Hotel, Cardigan Road

 

Getting There

Take M621 - Leave at junction 2, signposted Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Follow the A643 (A58) Wetherby road - at the next roundabout take the City Centre/Wetherby A58 exit. Almost immediately, bear left to Ilkley (A65) and the airport. At the lights (TGI Friday is on the left), turn left into Kirkstall Road A65. Go straight on for about .75 mile (Yorkshire Television is on the right).

There is a sign at the traffc lights showing "Headingley 1.5 miles". Stay in the right-hand lane. Turn right and go up the hill to another set of traffc lights at the crossroads. Carry straight on up Cardigan Road (Co-op is on the left). After the pedestrian lights and bus stop turn left into St Michael's Lane, signposted Headingley Stadium. The ground is on your right-hand side.

 

 


Posted on 03, Feb, 2012

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