After a promising pre-season, Rhinos won only one of their opening six matches and were heading towards a relegation dogfight when Richard Agar stepped down as coach in March.
Just one win from their first 10 games made it the worst start to a campaign in the club’s history, but interim-boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan steadied the ship and Rhinos were transformed under new coach Rohan Smith.
The Australian, whose uncle Tony Smith masterminded Rhinos’ 2004 and 2007 Super League triumphs, won 13 of his 19 games in charge and took Leeds all the way to their first Grand Final in five seasons.
It was a year which saw experienced players come and go – Zak Hardaker doing both – and some highly promising youngsters gain a first taste of top level action.
There was also success for Rhinos’ academy, women’s and physical disability sides.
The Yorkshire Evening Post chronicled it all. Here’s a pictorial review of an unforgettable 12 months.
. Debut to forget
James Bentley, Leeds' off-season signing from St Helens, was sent-off during his debut as Rhinos' Betfred Super League campaign began with a 22-20 home defeat by Warrington Wolves on February 12, live on Channel 4. Richie Myler hobbled off injured at the same time. Photo: Tony Johnson
. In the pink
Rhinos' first win of the season came at the fourth attempt, away to Wakefield on March 3. Harry Newman was among the try scorers, but a hamstring injury wrecked his campaign. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
. Agar's exit
Richard Agar resigned as coach on March 21, in the wake of Rhinos' 26-12 defeat at Salford. That was their fifth loss in the opening six games as Leeds made the worst start to a season in the club's history. Photo: Simon Hulme
. JJB steps in
Performances and team spirit improved during Jamie Jones-Buchanan's six-game spell as Rhinos' interim-coach. Jones-Buchanan, centre of picture, signed off with a home win over Hull KR on April 29. That was his second victory and he also picked up a draw, along with three defeats. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
. A new era
Rohan Smith, left, arrives at Salford for his first game as Rhinos coach, on May 15. Leeds were beaten 23-8, but things quickly turned around under the new boss. Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com
7. Nap Handley
Ash Handley became the first Rhinos player for 10 years to score five tries in a game during a record 62-16 win at Hull on July 2. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
8. Chip off the block
Jack Sinfield, son of former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, is pictured shaking hands with coach Rohan Smith before Leeds' defeat at Toulouse Olympique on July 16. Sinfield made his debut, aged 17, against Castleford at Easter and featured five times during 2022. Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
9. Home comforts
Brad Dwyer left to join Hull at the end of the campain, after five years with Rhinos. He was a try scorer in a memorable 42-12 win over his hometown club Wigan on July 21 as Leeds returned to Headingley following six successive games on the road. Rhinos were unbeaten at home under Rohan Smith. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. Hail Sezer
Aidan Sezer scored a golden-point try to seal an incredible 36-32 win at Catalans on July 30. Leeds trailed 30-6 when Matt Prior was sent-off with 26 minutes remaining, but - inspired by hat-trick hero Richie Myler - staged their greatest-ever comeback. Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com - 30/07/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 21 - Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos - Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France - Aidan Sezer of Leeds Rhinos runs to score the winning try Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
11. Class act
Morgan Gannon, who turned 19 in December, was a Super League young player of the year nominee in 2022. He scored six tries in 25 appearances, including a brace at Hull KR on August 12. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. Never say die
Rhinos developed a never-say-die spirit under Rohan Smith, winning three games in the final seconds including an 18-14 success against Huddersfield at Headingley on August 24. Blake Austin pulled that match from the fire after Leeds trailed 14-12 with time almost up. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com