The Kangaroos are in the city ahead of Saturday’s third and final ABK Beer Ashes Test against England at AMT Headingley. It is the first time the ground has staged an Ashes clash since 1982, but the Aussies played a World Cup tie there against Fiji three years ago.
Leeds’ Aussie connections go back more than a century and have remained as strong as ever during the Super League era. Ahead of the this weekend’s sold-out international, here’s the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Dream Team of Australians who have played for Rhinos during the summer era, plus our choice as coach.
13. Second-row: Dave Furner (2003-4)
His later spell as coach wasn't a success, but Furner was a vital member of Leeds' first Super League-winning side, in 2004. Photo: Steve Riding
14. Loose-forward: Marc Glanville (1998-99)
Hard as nails, MG inspired Rhinos to the Grand Final in 1998 and a Wembley win the following year Photo: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Matt Parcell (2017-2019)
Rhinos' only representative in the 2017 Dream Team, the hooker was a Grand Final winner that year. Letting him go, to Hull KR, was a major mistake. Photo: James Hardisty
16. Sub: Trent Merrin (2019)
The former Test prop had one season at Leeds and played a big role keeping them in Super League. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
17. Sub: Matt Adamson (2002-4)
An influential member of the Rhinos pack who dominated Super League in 2004, though he was left out of the Grand Final team. Photo: Steve Riding
18. Sub: Chris McKenna
Could play at centre or back-row and featured in the 2004 Grand Final-winning side. Photo: Tony Johnson