On this day 1980 former Rhinos' prop Danny Ward was born in Dewsbury. Danny, who is the son of the former Leeds captain and coach David Ward, signed for Leeds from Dewsbury Moor and made his debut off the bench against Sheffield in 1999. He was the Alliance Player of the Year in 2000, before breaking into the first team the following season. Danny emulated his father by playing in the Challenge Cup Final in 2003. In 2004 he made 14 first team starts and 12 substitute appearances, scoring a try in the 46-28 win over Wakefield, as well as playing in the Grand Final. In his final season with the club Danny was a try scorer in the Challenge Cup Final against Hull and in the Grand Final Qualifier win at St Helens that took the Rhinos back to Old Trafford for the Grand Final. He left the Rhinos prior to the start of the 2006 Super League season. On this day in 2001 the Rhinos were on the road to take on Hull in Super League and live in front of the Super League cameras and a 6,426 crowd defeated the arlie birds. Leeds' winning run of three consecutive victories had ended home defeat to Wigan, but in this match they were able to bounce back with both Mark Calderwood and Keith Senior scoring tries each and Iestyn Harris adding three goals. Danny Ward, who was celebrating his 21st birthday marked the occasion by scoring his first drop goal for the club.