Luke Gale: The Wait is Over
1 Feb 2020
The wait is almost over for Luke Gale – but the weight of expectation is just about to kick in.
The half-back signed professional terms with Leeds Rhinos at 16, yet here is, back at Headingley, about to make his first team debut on Sunday as a 31-year-old.
It’s been a long time coming – just ask the Rhinos fans who have wanted the club to sign him for years.
He is one of their own.
For Gale’s love affair with the club didn’t begin with ink drying on a contract.
It began as an eight-year-old when he used to sit on the wall in the South Stand and marvelling at the likes of Iestyn Harris, Adrian Morley and his old coach Daryl Powell inspire the next generation.
So it is fitting, on one hand, that Gale is doing this interview in the bowels of a new-look, modernised Headingley Stadium.
The strange part, perhaps, is that we’re sitting in the away dressing room discussing a long-awaited homecoming.
On Sunday Gale will get changed down the corridor, and pull on the famous number 7 shirt, worn by greats like Rob Burrow, who was one of the players who kept him out of the Rhinos side as a teenager.
“When I started my Super League journey, Danny [McGuire] and Rob [Burrow] were already into theirs,?? he said.
“As time transpires, I probably had an impossible task of trying to get them out of the first team.??
We... We play League 💪
Season starts Thursday 30 January #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/ILwjboPMuw
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 25, 2020
Gale’s career hasn’t exactly stagnated since leaving Leeds.
A Grand Final, a World Cup Final, the 2017 Man of Steel winner - but in his words, ‘that’s the easy part’.
Like many, with the highs comes the lows and Gale’s career has been no different.
Injury has tested his resilience and his patience over the past few years.
There’s been soul searching, self-doubt, frustration and waiting. More waiting.
In his own words, he has become a better player through the adversity.
“I’ve dealt with a lot in my career,?? he says.
“I've had to go a different route to achieve my dreams.
“A lot of people say I’m getting old, and I’ve had too many injuries.
“But that’s what gets me up in the morning – that’s the intrinsic drive that fuels me.??
The gaze that accompanies Gale’s words points to the steely determination that he has shown throughout his career.
Those who have told him he can’t are the ones he most likes proving wrong.
But even so, Gale couldn’t have done it alone.
His family, who will be there on Sunday, came through in the worst moments.
“I felt like it was impossible at times,?? he said.
“I just thought it was too tough and wondered whether I would ever come back.
"I’d be lying if I didn’t say they were dark days.
“I think that’s the toughest part of it – your mental state is massive,?? the England international said.
One word that Gale frequently uses is ‘grateful’.
He’s grateful for the support he has received from his family, grateful to his former club Castleford Tigers and their physios.
He’s also grateful that he waited it out because it’s all about to pay off.
“I think Leeds are on the start of a new journey – and I want to be part of it,?? he says.
“Hopefully, I can help get those young lads through it and be a mentor for them.
“Sunday will be an emotional time - but what a special occasion to come back and get my full debut for Leeds.??
Gale – and Rhinos fans - can’t wait.
