YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith reflects on Leeds Rhinos' emotional win v Leigh Leopards on a night dedicated to celebrating club legend Rob Burrow.
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00Well, what a night it has been here at AMT, heading Lee. I don't think I've ever been to a game quite like this one.
00:08Leeds have beaten Lee Leopards 18 points to 10. That, in a way, was secondary to the celebration of Rob Burrow's life,
00:17which was just one of the most emotional occasions, certainly, I've experienced.
00:22I think most of the 17,000 crowd would agree with that.
00:25The crowd were fantastic. The respect that they showed to Rob and his memory was wonderful.
00:32And that goes for the Lee fans as well. I thought they were terrific.
00:37We've had 80 of Rob's former team-mates here paying tribute to him.
00:43The club handled it extremely well in conjunction with Skye.
00:46And even before kick-off, it was very moving. There were people sat near me in tears.
00:51And then the game, Leeds with a very understrengthed team, missing four players from last week's defeat at Hull through head-knocks.
01:01A very makeshift side, really, with Alfie Edgil and Ned McCormack, two rookies paired together on the left flank.
01:10But they were fantastic. And the team dug so deep. On a tide of emotion, really, the crowd roared them on right from the start.
01:18And it clearly lifted the side, and they showed what they're capable of.
01:21They were out on their feet by the end, and that's because they dug so deep defensively.
01:27Some of the defensive efforts on their own line were incredible.
01:29They held Lee over the line four or five times. Just remarkable defence.
01:36It would have been easy for them to cave in, but they refused to do that.
01:39Brodie Croft was absolutely inspired in the first half, scoring two sensational tries.
01:45And then who should step up and score what turned out to be the decisive touchdown?
01:49But Leeds' number seven, Matt Frawley, really pleased for him.
01:53He's had a bit of a tough time, but fantastic effort from him.
01:57Now Leeds have a two-week break, and perhaps we'll have a new coach in place when the next game comes around against London here in a fortnight's time.
02:08Chef Walker and Scott Gricks did a tremendous job getting the team to play like that today.
02:14Shame for Rowan Smith, who departed earlier this week.
02:18But a measure of the man, the fact that he was here in the crowd today because he wanted to pay his respects to Rob Burrow.
02:25A very memorable night all round, certainly one I'll never forget.
02:29And I imagine none of the 17,000 other people here will either.