Rhinos upset the odds to retain their engage Super League title with a sensational 24-16 victory over red-hot favourites St Helens at Old Trafford.

And Headingley Carnegie Stadium went wild yesterday as the team returned to show off their Super League and World Club Challenge prizes.

Around 7,000 fans thronged the stadium to show their appreciation to the players who defied the odds to win their third Grand Final in five years, beating hot favourites St Helens.

The triumphant sportsmen, many of them accompanied on to the stage by their children, filtered on to the pitch through a fluttering tunnel of huge Rhinos flags.

And it was fitting that after the pouring rain during Saturday's match, and despite the weathermen's predictions, the sun blazed down on Headingley as the team returned, with skipper Kevin Sinfield carrying the silverware.

Man of the match Lee Smith, who scored Rhinos' first try, told the crowd: "It hasn't sunk in yet, but it was an unbelievable experience. All the lads performed well and I was just pleased we could bring the trophy back to you lot."

Don Gibson, a fan for 55 years, travelled from Sheffield to "thank them all for doing so well."

The 68-year-old former Leeds man moved to South Yorkshire 30 years ago but still continues his unwavering support. He said: "We were thrilled with their performance."

Jackie Attwood, 45, of East End Park, said: "We wanted to show them how much we appreciate the effort they put in."

As well as giving match-goers a chance to relive the winning moment, the homecoming gave very young children who hadn't been at the game the opportunity to share in the party atmosphere.

John Morrissey, with five-year-old son Riley, said: "It's exciting for them. He's here to join in the celebration because he didn't get to go to the game."

Opera star Martin Toal, wowed the crowd with sing-along tracks including We Are the Champions before Rugby League legend Barrie McDermott quizzed the players on the secrets of their success.

They left the stadium – holding aloft the magnificent trophy – to deafening applause.

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