Stanningley welcome back Northern lights Golding and Robinson

Local heroes Ashton Golding and Sophie Robinson led special training sessions at Stanningley to make sure the next generation are on the right track - as part of the competition run by Super League partners Northern ahead of next month's Grand Final.

Northern were deluged by more than 4,000 entries after inviting community clubs to win kit and equipment, with a bonus of tickets for Super League's big night at Old Trafford on October 14.

Ten clubs were chosen for the bumper haul, which included balls, tackle shields, cones, bibs and water - as well as those tickets.

And as an extra bonus, Stanningley welcomed Golding and Robinson to the Arthur Miller Stadium, as well as the BBC Super League Show team, who made it an even bigger night for the youngsters - with coverage set to feature on this Monday's programme.

Golding, a member of the Leeds Rhinos squads who were Super League champions in 2015 and 2017 who has since enjoyed successful stints with Featherstone, Huddersfield and represented Jamaica in last year's World Cup, started his Rugby League journey at Stanningley.

It was the same for Robinson, who has also represented her Jamaican heritage at international level, in addition to winning Grand Finals and Challenge Cups with the Rhinos - as well as playing in the historic first Women's Final at Wembley this summer.

Stuart Taylor, head of commercial development at Northern, said: "We're always looking for ways to support the communities we serve.

"Rugby has a strong following among our customer base and the aim of this competition was to encourage more young people to take up the sport in their local area.

"Financial support for local sports groups can be tough - so for us to be able to provide them with new kit and equipment is something practical that will ensure more people have access to this great game."

The train operator has now launched a follow-up competition for young people to create a piece of artwork that celebrates their favourite Super League moment.

The winning design will be displayed at the 2023 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.

Northern is a long-term supporter of Rugby Super League, working in partnership with rugby clubs across their network to ensure the sport is accessible for all. Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.