As we prepare to wave goodbye to 2023 and welcome in the new year, we're running back all the big events that took place around the club over the last twelve months.

From Grand Final appearances for the Women's and Wheelchair sides, to Kevin Sinfield getting his running shoes on once again for MND, here is a look back at September to December:

SEPTEMBER

As the season began to wind down for the men’s team, an inspired solo performance from Sam Lisone saw the prop score his first career hat trick to defeat Hull FC 28-12 at the MKM Stadium, along with further tries from David Fusitu’a and Luke Hooley. 

Back-to-back defeats to eventual Grand Finalists Wigan and Catalans hurt but a resounding 46-0 win over Castleford at home on the final day of the regular season put a positive note on the end of the year.

A David Fusitu'a hat trick on his 150th appearance and a first try for Jack Sinfield helped the Rhinos a final day victory at Headingley
FULL TIME Rhinos 46 - 0 Tigers
? In partnership #Anchor #ButtertheFoodButtertheMood pic.twitter.com/TP0Zib6LBU
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 22, 2023

The Women’s competition on the other hand was intensifying as the Rhinos sealed third place in the league table with an away win over St Helens and a 24-0 result over Wigan. Taking on Saints on the road in the semi finals, history was made when nothing split the teams after 80 minutes. Forced into golden point extra time, youngster Caitlin Casey set up Sophie Robinson for the crucial finish, sending the Rhinos to their fifth successive Grand Final.

The Rhinos Academy completed their season with a close clash with Wigan at Stanningley, whilst the Reserves also had a tight finish as a last-second drop goal from Fergus McCormack secured a 19-19 draw against Hull KR.

OCTOBER

Before the Autumn internationals started, October saw two Rhinos sides involved in the Women’s and Wheelchair Finals. Playing in their fifth successive Grand Final, the Rhinos Women couldn’t win back-to-back finals for the first time as York Valkyrie claimed a 16-6 result; Caitlin Casey recorded the Rhinos’ sole try.

FULL TIME

After a thrilling contest, the Rhinos lose out to a very strong York Valkyrie side. We are so proud of the girls for all they have achieved this year, we will be back even stronger in 2024.#LeedsRhinosWRL | #TeamRhinos pic.twitter.com/5XFKzauUUf
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) October 8, 2023

The Wheelchair Final went down to the wire too, but it was Wigan Warriors who pulled off a 50-42 win against the Rhinos. Despite the final scores, Rhinos star Josh Butler joined Casey as one of the Young Player of the Season winners at the Super League awards, whilst Keara Bennett received a nomination for Woman of Steel.

Off the field, signings arrived in bulk as Paul Momirovski’s move from Sydney Roosters was confirmed along with the double capture of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers from Salford as Nene Macdonald went the other way. York duo Grace Field and Liv Whitehead were also signed for the Women’s side ahead of the 2024 season. The biggest signing of all though was the record-breaking naming rights partnership with Leeds-based vehicle solutions business AMT Auto that will see the Rhinos’ home rebranded as AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium for next season.

The club was also one of seven clubs to receive Grade A status as part of Rugby League Commercial and IMG’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy.

NOVEMBER

Having made his England debut during October, Harry Newman continued his spell in Shaun Wane's side during November by featuring in game three against the Tongans. He was one of four try scorers that day as England sealed a 3-0 series whitewash.

? @Harry3Newman with arguably the Try of the Series!

??????? #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/8IGrIKmepf
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) November 4, 2023

Beforehand, England Women blitzed Wales with a 60-0 win, with Rhinos Amy Hardcastle, Caitlin Beevers and Keara Bennett all scoring tries to get Stu Barrow's second international win of the season. Hardcastle's displays against the Welsh and France earlier in the season earned her a nomination for the Golden Boot Award, but she lost out to former team mate Georgia Hale, who secured the Pacific Championship with New Zealand.

Leeds announced the capture of experienced international Shona Hoyle for 2024 as the forward left St Helens to connect back up for former Bradford team mates Amy Hardcastle and Lois Forsell. There was incomings and outgoings with the men's side too as Kieran Hudson, grandson of Leeds legend John Holmes, arrived from Castleford and Richie Myler departed after five years in blue and amber to join York Knights.

Myler's departure meant that new signing Lachlan Miller locked up the number one shirt, whilst Brodie Croft (6), Matt Frawley (7) and Andy Ackers (9) were also awarded their numbers for 2024. One of the notable changes was Tom Holroyd, who's impressive performances in 2023 earned him the historic number 10 shirt.

There was a new look away and heritage shirt released too, with the latter inspired by the heroes of 2004 that lifted the Grand Final trophy for the first time.

DECEMBER

December kicked off in style as Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield was back on the roads raising money for Rob Burrow and the MND community for the fourth consecutive year. The 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge took Kev and the team to seven different locations, starting with Leeds and York before going to Edinburgh, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Brighton and London, for seven ultra marathons.

Watch back all seven days here.

Preparations on the rugby field continued as the Rhinos spent the middle of December on camp in Portugal before returning for the Boxing Day Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield.

An impressive second half showing from the Rhinos sees the home side take the spoils in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge
FULL TIME Rhinos 41 - 22 Trinity
Watch the replay in full now https://t.co/OQtT9RP1ae
? In partnership #Anchor #ButtertheFoodButtertheMood pic.twitter.com/ryu3YJyoxn
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 26, 2023

It starts with a membership

As an exciting 2024 season approaches, now is the best time to sign up for a Rhinos 2024 Membership, with a range of packages, including season, flexi and supporter memberships, available. 

A full list of prices, membership pack benefits and FAQs along with terms and conditions can be found at tickets.therhinos.co.uk