Can the Rhinos come from the depths to claim a Grand Final victory?

Leeds Rhinos aim for a 9^th Super League title against the odds, after a stunning end to the campaign has rugby league fans reminiscing the Leeds from a decade ago.

10 years ago, Leeds Rhinos won the Super League grand final after finishing 5^th in the league for the second year in a row. A victory in Saturday’s game at Old Trafford would mirror those of 2011 and 2012.

The Rhinos are now well known for the habit of coming from nowhere to get their hands on the coveted trophy. They have always been a strong side in the division, however, a particular mentality they developed was that the end of the season mattered most. A winning mentality that was led by their star trio of Kevin Sinfield, Danny Maguire and Rob Burrow.

This year the difference is that they are most definitely the underdogs given the strengths of their opponents, St. Helens. Furthermore, they did not intend for their season to pan out how it did, with a managerial change leading to an upturn in form which saw them finish in a very familiar position.

This season they have once again finished 5^th in the league for the third year in a row, regularly starting the season poorly, before sneaking into the play-offs near the end. Winning nine of their last 10, Leeds are in great form and cannot be overlooked on Saturday. Their new coach Rohan Smith, was a huge factor in the turn-around of the season.

When he took over the Rhinos had a complete mentality switch, and their key players really started to click into gear. When asked about Saturday Smith told Prost International:

“I’m proud of the work that’s been done and excited to be part of such a big occasion.”

He then added: “Were just trying to embrace the week and enjoy the occasion because come Saturday it will be getting ready for battle.”

Finally, Smith was reminded that St. Helens have been the strongest side this year and was then asked what he thinks of his opponents. To which he said: “Once kick off happens the form line doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter how you got here, it’s just two teams going to battle.”

Leeds play-offs kicked off with a gritty victory against Catalan in France, before a very close contest in the semi-final at Wigan. Their star performer in that match was former Saints second rower James Bentley.

Bentley is a Leeds local who returned to his home club at the start of the campaign. He was firstly asked what this Grand Final means to him personally. He replied:

“It will be a special moment to pull on this jersey in front of a packed crowd at a Grand Final, I will be absolutely made up.”

Being a Leeds fan himself, Bentley spoke on what it will mean to the fans if they manage to win the match on Saturday: “It will be massive, obviously it has been a fair few years since we won so it will be huge, I’m sure they will be loving it.

“I want to win, I’m a keen competitor and I’m sure it will be a good battle out there. I’ll be doing my absolute best to get the win.”

Given season form and even the strength of each squad, St. Helens are the automatic favourites. However, many people will tip Leeds for a victory due to their history. Also, if you factor in recent form then Leeds actually come out on top, so it should be a really interesting, closely fought match.

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