Under coach Brad Arthur, Rhinos reversed years of stagnation and decline. After missing out in the previous two seasons, the eight-time Grand Final champions returned to the play-offs and fourth place was their highest finish in the table since 2017. They beat 10 or their 11 Betfred Super League rivals at least once and were winners at home and away against league leaders Hull KR and third-placed Leigh Leopards. There were also some low points and Leeds’ last-gasp play-off loss to St Helens will haunt fans and players for years to come, but overall it was a season of progress. As ever, the Yorkshire Evening Post was with Rhinos every step of the way. Here’s our look back on the season in pictures.
19. League leaders crushed
Rhinos beat table-topping Hull KR for the second time in as many months, Harry Newman scoring one of their four tries in a 28-6 win at AMT Headingley in August. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
20. Left to Wright
The lowest - and final - point of Rhinos' season, as they were beaten after the hooter by visitors St Helens in an elimination play-off they had dominated. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
21. Reserves champions
Rhinos' reserves topped the table and beat Warrington 8-0 in their Grand Final. Elliott Fox, Harry Smith and Noah Whittingham are seen with the trophy. Photo: Peter Smith
22. Player of the year
Jake Connor was Rhinos' player of the year, as chosen by the coaching staff. Connor is also on a three-player shortlist for Man of Steel. Photo: Peter Smith
23. Dream Team
Rhinos second-rower James McDonnell received well-deserved recognition when he was named in the Betfred Super League Dream Team, alongside clubmate Jake Connor. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
24. Hetherington bows out
Gary Hetherington stunned the rugby league world when he announced he would step down at the end of this season to join the board at London Broncos. He delivered the match ball for the play-off tie against St Helens which was the last game of his 29 years as Rhinos chief executive Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com