The select band are members of the club’s Hall of Fame and four more will be inducted at a special ceremony on Sunday. A celebration lunch at AMT Headingley Stadium will also mark the 20th anniversary of Leeds’ first Super League triumph and a decade since their Wembley Challenge Cup final win against Castleford Tigers.
To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, individuals must have played at least 150 games for Leeds, made an ‘exceptional contribution’ to rugby in the city and achieved representative honours during their playing career. Here’s a full list of the 28 current members, in the order they were inducted.
1. AMT Headingley
Headingley Stadium has played host to some of the sport's greatest players since its first game in 1890. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
2. Keith McLellan (played for Leeds from 1951-58)
A magnificent captain on the 1957 Challenge Cup-winning run and a try scorer as Leeds beat the Australian tourists in 1956. Photo: James Hardisty
3. Lewis Jones (1952-64)
A former Wales and British Lions international in rugby union, Jones - who died earlier this year - is Leeds' second-highest points and goals scorer and his 496 points in 1956-7 is still a club record. Photo: YEP
4. John Holmes (1969-90)
Leeds' greatest appearance maker, played for Leeds in four decades, World Cup winner and featured in 19 finals for his club. Photo: Steve Riding
5. David Ward (1971-86)
Inspirational captain and dynamic hooker who spent more than 20 years at the club as player and coach, appeared in 14 finals and was inaugural ‘Man of Steel’ in 1977. Photo: Steve Riding
6. Joe Thompson (1923-33)
The first forward to be selected on three Lions tours, a prolific goal kicker, the first Leeds player to hold two challenge cup winner’s medals - and even helped build Headingley's previous South Stand. Photo: YPN