A-Z of Leeds Rhinos - ‘M’ is for...Magic Weekend.

Rhinos won their first six games at Magic Weekend, then lost the next six before breaking that streak with a crucial victory against London Broncos last year.
Rhinos players celebrate beating Bradford at the 2007 Magic Weekend. Picture by Steve Riding.Rhinos players celebrate beating Bradford at the 2007 Magic Weekend. Picture by Steve Riding.
Rhinos players celebrate beating Bradford at the 2007 Magic Weekend. Picture by Steve Riding.

Millennium Magic in Cardiff 13 years ago provided one of Super League’s most memorable moments when Rhinos snatched a last-gasp victory over Bradford Bulls.

Trailing by two, Leeds were incorrectly awarded a penalty, Kevin Sinfield’s kick hit the metalwork and a clearly offside Jordan Tansey picked up to score.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Referee Steve Ganson decided not to consult his video assistant and the try was awarded.

Zak Hardaker, Man of Steel in 2015. Picture by Simon Wilkinson SWpix.comZak Hardaker, Man of Steel in 2015. Picture by Simon Wilkinson SWpix.com
Zak Hardaker, Man of Steel in 2015. Picture by Simon Wilkinson SWpix.com

Rhinos also beat Bulls at Cardiff in 2008 and 2011, Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield in 2009 and 2010 and Bulls again at City of Manchester Stadium in 2012.

After that they lost to Wigan Warriors at Manchester in 2013 and 2014 and St James’ Park, Newcastle in 2015 and 2016; then Castleford Tigers at Newcastle in 2017 and 2018, before the victory a year ago at Anfield, Liverpool.

‘M’ is also for...Man of Steel.

Four Leeds players have won the European game’s top individual honour: David Ward (the inaugural award, in 1977), Garry Schofield (1991), Iestyn Harris (1998) and Zak Hardaker (2015).

Graham Murray on his first day as Rhinos coach, ahead of the 1998 season. Picture by James Hardisty.Graham Murray on his first day as Rhinos coach, ahead of the 1998 season. Picture by James Hardisty.
Graham Murray on his first day as Rhinos coach, ahead of the 1998 season. Picture by James Hardisty.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hardaker is the only Rhinos player to receive the prize during one of their Grand Final-winning seasons.

Leeds are joint-third in the Man of Steel club table, level with Castleford Tigers and behind Wigan Warriors (11 Man of Steel wins) and St Helens (nine).

‘M’ is also for...Muzza.

Nickname of the great Australian coach Graham Murray who masterminded Leeds’ Challenge Cup final success in 1999, having guided them to the inaugural Super League Grand Final the previous season.

A much-loved figure at Headingley, despite spending only two seasons with Leeds, the Australian died, aged 58, in 2013.

Not to be confused with Moz, Adrian Morley, the Leeds and Great Britain forward Murray took to Sydney Roosters in 2001.