Why I loved my time at Leeds Rhinos - Marcus Bai looks back

Trail-blazer Bai says he is proud to have been in at the start of Leeds Rhinos’ golden era.
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The first Papua New Guinean to play for the club, Bai was a member of Rhinos’ 2004 title-winning team and featured in their Challenge Cup and Grand Final defeats the following year.

It is now 15 years since his last game for Leeds, the 2005 loss to his future club Bradford Bulls at Old Trafford, but Bai revealed his family are still Rhinos fans - and he is delighted at the success the club has gone on to achieve.

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“My kids are still wearing their Rhinos [shirts] - Kevin Sinfield has been chucking in some of those Leeds Rhinos jerseys,” Bai reported.

Marcus Bai scoring one of his hat-trick of tries on debut for Rhinos against London Broncos in 2004. Picture by Steve Riding.Marcus Bai scoring one of his hat-trick of tries on debut for Rhinos against London Broncos in 2004. Picture by Steve Riding.
Marcus Bai scoring one of his hat-trick of tries on debut for Rhinos against London Broncos in 2004. Picture by Steve Riding.

“My three boys are glad to be a part of it in some ways

“My first born is 16 now and he is always looking back at it, he knows Leeds have become a very successful club.

“What a journey, I am proud to be proud of it.

“I met some great people in England and enjoyed every bit of it.”

Marcus Bai opens the scoring in Rhinos' Super League round one win at Hull in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.Marcus Bai opens the scoring in Rhinos' Super League round one win at Hull in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.
Marcus Bai opens the scoring in Rhinos' Super League round one win at Hull in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.

Signed from Melbourne Storm, where he was a member of their inaugural team in 1998, he scored 42 tries in 57 appearances for Rhinos, including a hat-trick on his debut against London Broncos at Headingley.

He recalled 2004 as an “unbelievable season for me”.

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Bai said: “To lose only one or two games, it was something I really enjoyed.

“I am glad to be a part of the start of that winning streak of finals and silverware, I have got great memories.

Marcus Bai outpaces Lee Briers as Rhinos win at Warrington in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.Marcus Bai outpaces Lee Briers as Rhinos win at Warrington in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.
Marcus Bai outpaces Lee Briers as Rhinos win at Warrington in 2005. Picture by Steve Riding.

“They were hungry for victory, with Tony Smith, Ali Lauitiiti, David Furner, Matt Adamson and Andrew Dunemann all there.

“They had the experience of Barrie McDermott who had been there a long time and Kevin Sinfield, the captain - and the young boys there were full of enthusiasm.

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“Danny McGuire, Richard Mathers, Rob Burrow, Mark Calderwood, Jamie Jones-Buchanan - they have become good friends and they are legends of Leeds Rhinos and rugby league in England.

“After I left, seeing all these young boys winning Grand Final after Grand Final and being World Club champions, I am glad to have been part of the first winning year for the Rhinos.”

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