In a salary-cap sport, not every player can be a superstar, but some from outside that category have had outstanding careers, despite being underrated by fans, pundits and sometimes even coaches. Here’s 13 Leeds Rhinos players who were better than they got credit for.
7. Ben Jones-Bishop
Deserved to make more than appearances for his home city club. The winger/full-back had an impressive strike rate of 46 tries in 72 games. Photo: Steve Riding
8. Jimmy Keinhorst
A skilful and versatile centre who provided the pass for Rhinos’ final try in the 2015 treble-clinching Grand Final win against Wigan Warriors and never let the side down. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
9. Ian Kirke
Even many Rhinos fans didn’t regard the giant forward as much more than a plodder, but the stats suggest they were wrong. He won five Grand Finals, under three different coaches and made 184 Super League appearances during a nine-season Leeds career. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Paul McShane
The hooker failed to win over Rhinos’ coaching staff and made only 55 Super League appearances from 2009-13. After an unsuccessful spell with Wakefield Trinity, he went on to captain Castleford Tigers and was Man of Steel in 2020. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Rhyse Martin
Probably Leeds’ best signing since their most recent Grand Final win, seven years ago. As well as being an outstanding kicker, the Papua New Guinea captain is remarkably consistent, in the second-row or at centre. Photo: Simon Hulme
12. Kevin Sinfield
Yes, really. Sinfield was more than just the best captain and goal-kicker of the Super League era, he was one of the finest players of his generation. His consistency in almost every aspect of the game was remarkable, but he never got close to being named Man of Steel. Photo: Steve Riding