5 Mar 2024

Rhinos Rewind: Leigh Leopards

As Leeds Rhinos prepare to head west to take on Leigh Leopards on Friday night, take a look back at a classic clash between the clubs, as well as a player that is renowned for playing in both Leeds and Leigh colours.

Classic Clash

The Rhinos passed the half-century mark for the second week running when they defeated Super League newest team Leigh Centurions 60-4 at the Coliseum.

Mark Calderwood led the way with a hat trick for the second successive week, having scored three the week before against SM Pia, plus Lee Smith, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield added two tries each to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Barrie McDermott and Chev Walker also crossed to secure a 60-4 result.

Legend in Focus - Bev Risman

Bev Risman was a distinguished dual-code international who won nine England RU caps and toured Australia and New Zealand in 1959 with the British Lions.

The son of Salford and Workington Town great Gus Risman, an inaugural member of the Rugby League Hall of Fame, Bev signed professional forms with Leigh in March 1961 and went on to make 140 appearances for the club, scoring 31 tries and kicking 241 goals and captaining the side. He was also a schoolmaster at Leigh GS.

Early in 1966 he was transferred to Leeds and went on to enjoy a golden end to his playing career, making 164 appearances and scoring 20 tries and kicking 611 goals for the club before retiring at the end of the 1969-70 season. He became a schoolmaster at Leeds GS. Whilst at Leeds he followed in the footsteps of his father and won five Great Britain caps, representing his country in the 1968 World Cup. He also played a pivotal role in Leeds' dramatic victory in the famous 1968 'Watersplash' Challenge Cup Final against Wakefield Trinity.

Watch the final back here

Follow the Rhinos on the road!

Tickets and travel are available to Rhinos fans now.

Advanced ticket prices are £27 for adults, whilst concession and junior price start from £15 and £5. Travel from AMT Headingley, departing at 5pm, is £18 per person.

Leigh Leopards offer a number of family ticket options for their fixtures. This is available from Leeds Rhinos and can be purchased by selecting the relevant family option, additional tickets can also be purchased on top of these. For more information on ticket bundle prices and more, click here.