From highs including wins at St Helens and Wigan Warriors to the lows of three defeats against Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers, here’s the Yorkshire Evening Post’s choice of the best and worst of a long, tough campaign.
1. Best moment
There weren’t many, but Blake Austin’s winning drop goal in the final seconds at St Helens in March was one to savour. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
2. Biggest embarrassment
A tie between the 80 minutes at Catalans Dragons in September when Rhinos were beaten 61-0 and full-time at Belle Vue three months earlier as 12-man Wakefield Trinity celebrated their first win of the season. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
3. Most costly mistake
Not retaining Zak Hardaker. The centre’s signing midway through last season was a huge factor in Rhinos’ revival and the squad was weakened when left to join Leigh Leopards. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
4. Player of the year
Rhyse Martin started in three different roles - centre, second-row and stand-off - and played every minute of every game, scoring 80 goals and 10 tries. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
5. Surprise package
Former Wigan Warriors second-rower James McDonnell wasn’t in the top 17 squad numbers, but missed only four games all year. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
6. Best win
Rhinos’ 40-18 victory at Wigan Warriors in May - having been 14-0 down and with Zane Tetevano sent-off in the first half - was epic. Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com