Leeds Rhinos retro picture gallery: 21 brilliant photos of new signings over the years since 1996
Some, recruited from clubs at home and abroad or developed through Rhinos’ academy system, have gone on to become club legends, while others weren’t so successful.
Yorkshire Evening Post photographers are traditionally there to greet Rhinos’ new faces on their first visit to AMT Headingley. Here’s how 21 signings - or groups of recruits - looked when they initially joined the club.
7. Brett Ferres
Rhinos announced the signing of Brett Ferres from Huddersfield Giants in January, 2016. He spent four years at Leeds, winning a Grand Final in 2017, then returned to the club on loan during the Covid-hit 2020 campaign. Photo: Scott Merrylees
8. Damian Gibson and Martin Masella
Welcomed to Leeds by coach Dean Bell ahead of the 1997 campaign, Aussie Damian Gibson was player of the year in his only season with Rhinos. Martin Masella made 77 appearances before leaving at the end of 1999. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Richie Mathers
Then aged 15, Richie Mathers signed for Rhinos in August, 1998, made his first team debut four years later and was a Grand Final winner in 2004. Photo: Charles Knight
10. Beau Falloon and Keith Galloway
Both signed from the NRL ahead of the 2016 season; Beau Falloon made just 10 appearances before being released midway through his debut year, while Keith Galloway played 43 times but left at the end of 2018 after two Achilles injuries. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Danny Buderus
Australian superstar Danny Buderus checked in at Headingley ahead of the 2009 season. He spent three years with Rhinos and bowed out on a high after the 2011 Grand Final win. Photo: Steve Riding
12. Clinton Toopi
New Zealander Clinton Toopi arrived at Headingley on August 1, 2006 and made his debut three days later. He played 47 times for Rhinos, including the 2007 Grand Final win, but was released in 2008 after suffering a serious knee injury. Photo: Simon Hulme