Leeds Rhinos' top 10 moments - No 10 Iestyn Harris

Today we begin our countdown of Leeds Rhinos’ top 10 moments of the summer era, which began in 1996.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

No 10: Signing Iestyn Harris.

Newly-renamed Leeds Rhinos made a statement of intent when they snapped up Iestyn Harris from Warrington Wolves on April 3, 1997.

The deal, which involved young forward Danny Sculthorpe going the other way, was worth a record £350,000 and marked Leeds’ return as a force in the game just months after they had been in danger of going bust.

Iestyn Harris scores against Bradford in Leeds' 1999 Challenge Cup semi-final win. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.Iestyn Harris scores against Bradford in Leeds' 1999 Challenge Cup semi-final win. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.
Iestyn Harris scores against Bradford in Leeds' 1999 Challenge Cup semi-final win. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With Harris calling the shots, Rhinos regained their self respect and went from relegation contenders the season before he joined to a team capable of reaching and winning finals.

Harris had a relatively short spell at Rhinos, moving to Welsh rugby union in 2001, but was hugely influential, not least in making them good to watch again.

Only 20 at the time he signed, Harris had played in all five Tests of Great Britain’s Pacific tour the previous year and was expected to join St Helens after falling out with the Wire.

He made his debut in a one-point defeat by Wigan Warriors the day after signing and started for the first time when champions St Helens were beaten at Headingley a week later, on the night Super League really took off in Leeds.

Iestyn Harris.Picture by Mark Bickerdike.Iestyn Harris.Picture by Mark Bickerdike.
Iestyn Harris.Picture by Mark Bickerdike.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Appointed captain by Graham Murray at the start of the following season, Harris was Man of Steel in 1998 when he led Rhinos to the inaugural Super League Grand Final and in 1999 he skippered them to their first Challenge Cup victory in 21 years.

Harris often started games at full-back before moving into the stand-off position.

An ace goal kicker, he had pace, footwork and passing abilities which could open any defence.

Only four players have landed more goals for Leeds and Harris’ 168 successful kicks in 1999 was a club record until Kevin Sinfield overtook it 13 years later. Harris still holds Leeds’ game record for most goals - 17 in a 106-10 Challenge Cup win over Swinton Lions in 2001 - and points - 42 against Huddersfield Giants two years earlier. He also occupies second place on the points list and is joint-second for goals.

Iestyn Harris lifts the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1999. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Iestyn Harris lifts the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1999. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Iestyn Harris lifts the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1999. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes- from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor

READ MORE:

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/opinion/were-therewithyou-now-your-yep-needs-your-support-too-laura-collins-yep-editor-2521777

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.