Leeds Rhinos supporters are likely to have a keen eye on Sunday’s Championship Grand Final between Leigh Centurions and Batley Bulldogs. Firstly, there is the prospect of little Batley causing one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history by beating big-spending Leigh and reaching Super League.
That would set up top-flight derbies between the big-city Rhinos and Craig Lingard’s minnows in 2023, with the West Yorkshire neighbours having met in the Qualifiers at Headingley in 2016. Lingard was assistant to John Kear at Mount Pleasant back then and is now the Gallant Youths’ head coach, working wonders on a small budget to take his team to within touching distance of the promised land.
Leeds fans would surely love to see Batley promoted, but perhaps of even greater interest to South Standers this weekend will be the inclusion of Luke Hooley. The Bulldogs full-back has enjoyed an outstanding season and – as Rugby League Live reported several weeks ago – has been lined up for a move to Leeds.
