Twenty five years ago, on May 1, 1999, an estimated 30,000 Leeds fans flocked to the capital hoping to see their side lift the famous trophy for the first time since 1978. It turned into one of the club’s greatest days out as Rhinos, coached by Graham Murray, ran up a record score in a 52-16 win and winger Leroy Rivett scored an unprecedented four tries.
Leeds didn’t have it all their own way, going 10-0 down after 11 minutes. They hit back to lead 12-10 at half-time, but London went back in front soon after the break. It was anyone’s game at that stage, but a storming try by Barrie McDermott swung the final Rhinos’ way and they went on to finish with nine tries – then the most scored by a team in a Cup final.
It was a day Leeds’ long-suffering fans will never forget as the club celebrated its first major trophy for 11 years. Here’s 23 superb pictures from that iconic afternoon.
13. Wembley 1999
Leeds Rhinos fans outside Wembley ahead of the Challenge Cup final against London Broncos Photo: Bruce Rollinson
14. Wembley 1999
Marcus St Hilaire celebrates scoring for Leeds Rhinos in their 52-16 thrashing of London Broncos 25 years ago. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
15. Wembley 1999
Leeds Rhinos winger Leroy Rivett became the first player to score four tries in a Challenge Cup final. His feat secured the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
16. Wembley 1999
Australian forward Jamie Mathiou takes the ball up for Rhinos, watched by referee Russell Smith. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
17. Wembley 1999
Leeds Rhinos signed prop Darren Fleary from Keighley Cougars in 1997 and he went on to become a key figure in a fearsome pack, winning a Challenge Cup medal in 1999 and going on to play for Great Britain. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
18. Wembley 1999
Francis Cummins - now academy coach at Hull FC - and Barrie McDermott, currently a pundit for Sky Sports, celebrate the Cup final win. Barrie's son Billy McDermott was Rhinos' matchday mascot. Photo: Bruce Rollinson