In the build-up to Sunday's clash with Leigh Leopards, take a look back at some classic past Super League encounters and notable names that have played for both clubs:

Previous matches

The classic

A tight meeting between the two sides in the 1992-93 saw the Rhinos edge Leigh by two points at Headingley. Two tries from Ellery Hanley led the way for Doug Laughton's men, but Steve Simms' Leigh side stuck with the home side the whole distance, with only a goal separating the two at full time.

First time out in Super League

In back to back meetings with Leigh in 2005, the Rhinos returned to Headingley to produce a similar performance to their 60 point win at Hilton Park the week before.

Mark Calderwood backed up his hat trick in the away fixture with another two tries at Headingley, along with Danny McGuire's brace. Leigh proved to be less of a roll over though, running in four tries after only scoring once the week prior.

The last meeting

When Leigh last visited Headingley, four tries from Jack Broadbent helped the Rhinos to a 48-18 win.

Alongside the youngsters haul, Liam Sutcliffe, Tom Holroyd, Kruise Leeming, Sam Walters and James Donaldson also crossed for Leeds in their third consecutive league win.

Connections

During the Super League era, there are plenty of players and coaches that have been part of both Leeds and Huddersfield teams down the years. Here are just a few that you might remember...

- James McDonnell: Former Wigan forward James McDonnell spent the majority of the 2022 season on loan with Leigh as they achieved promotion back to Super League. He made seventeen appearances in all competition, including the 1895 Cup semi final win over Sheffield, and added seven tries before returning to the Warriors. He was soon transferred to Leeds, where he has played 17 league games and scored four tries

- Zak Hardaker: Hardaker was part of the memorable Leeds side of the early 2010s that secured Grand Final titles and broke the Challenge Cup hoodoo. Breaking through in 2012 after scoring in the 2011 Grand Final, the centre turned full back went on to play a part in the Treble success of 2015 and also collected the Man of Steel award. After a NRL spell and time at Wigan, his return to Leeds in 2022 coincided with another Grand Final appearance, but he left at the end of the season to join the Leopards.

- Scott Grix: Full back Grix had a year spell with Leigh in 2006 and scored six times in 17 league games. Although he never played for Leeds, he is currently assistant coach under Rohan Smith.

- Darren Fleary: Another player who spent a season at Leigh was 1999 Challenge Cup winner Darren Fleary. As part of an exciting forward pack for Leeds in the 90s, he collected his Challenge Cup winners medal in the win over London and played in the first Super League Grand Final under Graham Murray. Following time at Huddersfield, he ended his playing career with Leigh, who he captained during their first Super League campaign.

Tickets on sale now

Our annual Armed Forces Game returns to Headingley Stadium on Sunday 6th August as we look to pay tribute to and celebrate the fantastic work that our service men and women do around the world. 

Gates open at 12pm with Leeds Rhinos Women taking on Huddersfield Giants Women, kick off 12.30pm, followed by the men who face Leigh Leopards, kick off 3pm.

General admission ticket prices start from £24 for adults, £16** for concessions and £12 for juniors. Fans can book tickets online here (tickets.therhinos.co.uk) or call our Ticket Office on 0371 423 1315 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).