James Donaldson admits he will never be able to repay Leeds Rhinos for taking a chance on him when nobody else would: and says he wants to spend the rest of his career at Headingley. The 31-year-old will walk out in his first Super League Grand Final this weekend if selected to feature against Wigan Warriors.
Donaldson's journey to this point has been remarkable. A player who suffered two serious ACL knee injuries before the age of 20 and a broken back later in his career, Donaldson as readying himself to go part-time in 2019 after failing to secure a Super League contract. However, in the final stages of pre-season, Leeds offered him a trial which has now turned into a four-season stint at the club.
And an emotional Donaldson told Rugby League he is indebted to the Rhinos for giving him an opportunity to keep his professional career alive. "Leeds gave me a lifeline when nobody else would, and I will always be trying to pay them back for the trust they showed in me," he said. "I don't think I ever can.
