Sunday evening’s game was played exactly 30 years after the competition’s first fixture, when Paris St Germain defeated Sheffield Eagles in the French capital on March 29, 1996. Leeds’ debut game was against Warrington on home turf two days later and ended in a 22-18 loss. Much has changed since then, on and off the field, but the passion of Leeds’ fans remains as strong as ever. Ace snapper Steve Riding was at the match in 1996 and the one three decades later. Here’s 21 of his pictures as fans braved wet, cold and windy conditions to see Rhinos bounce back to form with a 26-22 win.
7. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Byron and Richard Saunders, of Rothwell, enjoyn some pre-match grub. Photo: Steve Riding
8. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Dhruti Goshar, Ella Kirton and Katie Ransome from Leeds Beckett University get into the Rhinos spirit. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Leeds Rhinos fans in the South Stand. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Madison Pullan, eight, of Leeds with her balloon Ronnie Rhino. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Johnny Smith and James Pinkney, of Leeds, enjoy a pre-match pint, or two. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: fan pictures
Pete Vickers, Alfie Cawkwell and Alan Vickers, from Selby, in Headingley's South Stand. Photo: Steve Riding