Sheridan recalls Wembley memories ahead of Rhinos return

Today marks 25 years since Leeds Rhinos lifted the Challenge Cup at the old Wembley Stadium to secure the club’s first Cup success for 21 years. 

Whilst the side were led by skipper Iestyn Harris and winger Leroy Rivett grabbed the headlines for his four tries, one player who was key to the Cup success was scrum half Ryan Sheridan.  

The former Sheffield player was man of the match in the early round wins over Wigan and Saints before his incredible ball steal on Bradford Bulls’ Danny Peacock turned the semi final in favour of Graham Murray’s side. In the Final, Sheridan was the front runner to win the Lance Todd Trophy right up until the Rivett went 90 metres to score his hat trick try. 

Reflecting on that day a quarter of a century ago, Sheridan can’t believe how the time has flown. He commented, “It is unbelievable to think it was 25 years ago. I was talking to my daughter about it the other day, she was able to come on the pitch after the match with the rest of the players kids and it’s incredible to think back now about it, it doesn’t seem like 25 years ago!”

When he thinks back to the journey the Rhinos went on that year, he reveals that he felt the development of the squad and the performances in each round were building towards that special day. He added,  “The main thing I remember about that year was the run to the Final. Baz getting sent off against Wigan in the first round and we managed to get through, then beating Saints in the next round before a tricky game at Widnes and then getting over Bradford in the semi. We went behind against the Bulls but what Graham Murray build in us all year was the belief that we could beat anyone. 

“We were under the pump in all those games against Wigan, Saints and Bradford and even in the Final against London, they led in the first half and there was so much pressure on us because everyone thought we would win easily. We had great characters in the team who had the right mentality and self belief to get the first piece of silverware since 1978,” added the scrum half. 

Sheridan often saved his best performances for the Challenge Cup with memorable games in the 2000, 2001 and 2002 Cup runs in addition to his heroics in 1999. He says the famous old competition had a special place in his heart. He added,  “I loved the Challenge Cup as a kid, I remember watching all the games on TV as a kid and then going to Wembley when I was a bit older. To be there as a player was something special. Coming out of the old tunnel behind the posts to a sea of blue and amber everywhere was everything I had dreamed of.  

“Personally, I enjoyed the Cup run that year, I managed to pick up a couple of man of the matches awards but there was fantastic balance across the team. Leroy and Franny on our wings were top class, Richie and Goddo in the centres were perfect for their wingers, Daryl Powell had so much experience too and then you look at the pack with Baz, Moz, Tez Newton, Faz, Daz and MG, you could not want to be alongside better people and that’s before you get to Iestyn! 

“To be at the old Wembley Stadium for the last Rugby League final there was special. You see all the old footage from Wembley over the years and to then be in that tunnel waiting to come up the tunnel was unbelievable. The noise as you entered into the stadium was like nothing else, there were 70,000 there that day and the vast majority were Leeds fans. It was something else,” recalled Sheridan.

This Friday the Rhinos will once again take on London Broncos but Sheridan will be in the opposite dug out this time as Assistant Coach down in the capital. The Broncos faced a daunting task on their return to the top flight having won the play offs last season but Sheridan says the squad are making the most of the experienced. He added, “I am loving the challenge at London. We have got a great group. We are operating a hybrid squad with full time and part time players. A lot of the group haven’t experienced Super League before but it is great to be giving them that opportunity this season. We are learning to be a Super League team but we’ve got quality players and our challenge is to maintain that belief as the season goes. 

“I am looking forward to being back at AMT Headingley and it will be a great experience for our blokes. The atmosphere there is second to none and we want our players to play with confidence and enjoy the occasion. The future is out of our control in terms of the licensing but we are focused on what we can control to make sure all our staff and players keep growing. We are improving and building. 

“When you look at our squad, they are nearly all lads who have come through the London system who have so much pride in playing for the Broncos in Super League. The late promotion and maintaining the squad from the Championship is a challenge but it is one we are enjoying and the lads are enjoying making a name for themselves,” added Sheridan.