Outright thuggery may have long since been eliminated from the game, but nobody steps on to a Super League field without knowing how to look after him or herself. Here’s our selection of Rhinos’ toughest 17 from the Super League era. If you think there’s anyone we should have included, let us know in the comments below.
7. Stand-off: Kevin Sinfield
Played in a Grand Final with a fractured cheekbone, was man of the match after being knocked out in another - and even has a red card on his record. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
8. Scrum-half: Rob Burrow
They don’t come any tougher, on or off the field. The shortest player of his generation, but not scared to mix it with the big guys - as Hull FC’s Epalahame Luaki once found out. Photo: Steve Riding
9. Prop: Barrie McDermott
Perhaps the ultimate Super League enforcer. Sent-off four times during his time at Leeds and banned on 14 occasions during his playing career. Photo: Steve Riding
10. Hooker: Paul Aiton
The Papua New Guinea international was hard as nails. Not a player you’d want to get on the wrong side of. Photo: Steve Riding
11. Prop: Jamie Peacock
Dragged Leeds out of some deep holes with his indefatigable will to win. Also, not afraid of a stand-up fight if the need arose. Photo: Vaughn Ridley/SWpix.com
12. Second-row: Adrian Morley
Sent-off in successive games in 1996, later went toe-to-toe with Australia's best in the NRL - red-carded 12 seconds into an Ashes clash in 2003. Photo: Steve Riding