Magic Preview: Friends Reunited

Rhinos skipper ready to take on former team-mate again

It’s been almost a decade since best mates Kruise Leeming and Alex Mellor faced each other.

Back in September 2013, Mellor was making his debut and Leeming just his second senior appearance as Bradford hammered Huddersfield 58-6.

The pair would later play alongside each other, first for the Giants and then Leeds, until Mellor’s recent move to Castleford Tigers.

Now the keen golf partners will line up on opposite sides again at Magic Weekend and Leeming is relishing the prospect.

“In rugby league he’s my best mate so it will be strange,?? the Rhinos hooker said.

“We still play golf together a lot, his missus and my missus are friends and we spend a lot of time together outside of rugby.

“But you have to do these things in professional sport and I’m looking forward to it.

“He’ll be raring to go too, it’s a big stage and I’m sure there’ll be a few cheeky digs in there.

“It’s been tough for him leaving Leeds but it’s the best option for him - he trains really hard and deserves some game time.

“It was almost like it came out of nowhere - he was playing reasonably well at Leeds, found himself out of the team and then couldn’t get back in through injury.

“But people that work that hard usually outwork their bad luck and I hope he does really well there and reignites his career.??

Mellor has left behind a Leeds squad that has endured something of a rollercoaster season to date following the resignation of coach Richard Agar and Rohan Smith being appointed as his replacement.

“Lots of things that have happened that were probably not ideal, but I do think the changes have been made for the right reasons by the right people,?? Leeming said.

“Now it feels like we’ve got a nice foundation in place and some building blocks to move forward.

“Even though from the outside it might have looked like things were crumbling, we’re still very confident we can make the Play-Offs.

“The stadium and the club as an organisation have always been fantastic, and in a limited amount of time Rohan has come in and put a plan in place for the foreseeable future.

“He’s very down to earth, and the main thing I’ve noticed about him is that is he doesn’t ride the highs or get bogged down by the lows too much, which is what we need.??

Smith’s formative tenure now faces a stern test against the Tigers, while Leeming is looking to extend a personal Magic Weekend record having kicked the golden point drop goal that beat Hull FC last season.

“I’ve never lost there, whether it’s been for Huddersfield or Leeds,?? he added.

“The drop goal last year stood out because it was such an important game for us to get into the top six, it was almost a four-point match.

“I’ve had a fantastic time every year at Magic and I’m really looking forward to it again.??

Player in Form - Rhyse Martin

Not many things about the Rhinos’ season to date have been consistent, but the performances of Papua New Guinean international Martin are one.

The popular back rower has never wavered in his efforts for the Leeds cause, including scoring twice in defeat against today’s opponents Castleford in April.

That threat with the ball, excellent goal kicking and versatility in slotting in at centre of late make Martin a crucial member of the Rhinos side.

One to Watch - Jarrod O’Connor

It says much about O’Connor’s standing at Leeds that his recently-signed new three-year contract was so well received by supporters.

The 20-year-old forward has become a firm favourite with fans since joining from Widnes Vikings through his committed performances.

Coach Rohan Smith has tipped further improvements in coming years, and O’Connor looks set to be a key part of the squad for years to come.

This article is taken from the Magic Weekend programme, copies of which can be ordered online via Curtis Sports.