Leeds Rhinos: Former Leeds overseas stars invited to reunion '˜Down Under'

The club’s players’ association are arranging a get together of all former Leeds players now living Down Under in the build up to the World Club Challenge at Melbourne Storm on Friday, February 16.

The event will mark the centenary of Leeds’ first overseas player, Joseph Lavery, who was a member of the New Zealand All Golds touring team and joined the Loiners at the start of the 1908-09 season.

Lavery made his debut against Broughton Rovers on September 5, 1908 and scored four tries in 10 games for Leeds.

Former Leeds hooker and players’ association committee member Colin Maskill will be travelling to Melbourne and is helping organise the reunion.

He said: “As a players’ association we are proud of all our former players and look to put on events when they can come together and recall their time with the club.

“The World Club Challenge is a great achievement for the current players and we want to make sure we are there to give them our support as they look to bring the world title home to Emerald Headingley Stadium.”

A number of former Rhinos have already been in contact with club chief executive Gary Hetherington.

He is keen to put on an event for the players the night before the game, as well as arranging for the group to be together at AAMI Stadium to cheer on the current generation of Leeds stars against the NRL Grand Final winners.

When he makes his debut this year Nathaniel Peteru will become the 118th player from either Australia, New Zealand or Papua New Guinea to play for Leeds.

Former players are asked to email [email protected] with their details and Colin Maskill will be in touch with the arrangements.