It's all so familiar...

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Leeds Rhinos produced a masterclass in wet-weather football to secure a crucial win yesterday. Does that line sound familiar? It should do. The 'Golden Generation' of Leeds made a habit of tactically bettering their opponents in October to pick up Super League title after Super League title.

There are elements of Leeds' Golden Generation still at the club, namely Jamie Jones-Buchanan as assistant coach and Kevin Sinfield as Director of Rugby. As they watched the class of 2020 sparkle yesterday, I am sure they would have afforded themselves a smile and a thought back to yesteryear, when they did the same.

In conditions like we saw yesterday, ball retention is key. Leeds did not make a handling error until the 35th minute, by which time they already had a three score lead. That level of completion was matched by a determined pack. Leeds dominated Wigan territorially and in possession. The front row made metres for fun and Kruise Leeming regaled in tormenting Wigan's markers with his scything dummy-half runs.

This all laid the perfect platform for Luke Gale to kick Wigan into submission. Every kick was the right one. He tried high bombs, teasing grubbers, excellent touch-finders and even a booming 40-20 to give Wigan's electric back-three little chance of mounting a riposte. Leeds' 20-0 half time lead was exactly what they deserved.

By the second half, Leeds were already in a winning position and did not have to win the game again. So they played a low-risk, efficient style of rugby, choking the life out of any possible Wigan fightback. A 68th minute Ash Handley try all but confirmed Leeds' return to Wembley for the first time since 2015 and two late Wigan tries did little to take the shine off a ruthless performance.

Richard Agar has taken some stick no matter where his coaching career has taken him. But this was a far cry from his first match in charge of Leeds. That was a Challenge Cup defeat to local rivals and lower-league side Bradford Bulls, led by their former player Jordan Lilley. At this point, Leeds were also in real danger of relegation from Super League.

Fast forward to October 2020, Agar has made some shrewd signings and now has Leeds competing for a play-off place in Super League and in a Challenge Cup Final. After two barren years, and a dreadful 2016, Leeds are clawing their way back to being a force. That is something that Richard Agar deserves huge credit for.

On 17 October, Leeds will face Salford in an unlikely Challenge Cup Final. I have no allegiance to either of these teams. But a win for either side would raise a smile. For Salford, it would complete a fairytale, prove that dreams do come true and show how hard work can sometimes trump hard cash. For Leeds, one of their own, Rob Burrow has had a more difficult year than any of us could imagine. 

If they were to pick up the trophy, and if Rob is well enough to be there to see it in person, l don't think there would be many dry eyes amongst the rugby league community. 

Whilst you're here, do check out our other blog, reviewing how Salford got to Wembley:
https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/10/paupers-vs-princes.html

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