Gary Hetherington admits Leeds Rhinos are pleased to see local rivals Bradford Bulls in a 'strong and solid' position for the first time in a good while, before revealing the squads from both clubs who contested an unforgettable Challenge Cup Final 20 years ago will be guests to watch the pre-season friendly between the two clubs this weekend.
The Bulls and the Rhinos competed in several major finals between 2003 and 2005, with each of them winning a Grand Final during that time, and Bradford emerging successful in a nail-biting Challenge Cup finale in Cardiff. The Bulls then entered a period of decline which culminated in not only relegation from Super League, but liquidation to boot, and they are now firmly entrenched in the Championship.
But ahead of the friendly between the two rivals on Sunday, Hetherington reiterated his belief that a strong Bradford can be beneficial for the game. "For the first time in years, they seem to have a very strong and solid management," the Leeds chief executive told Rugby League Live. "Which is something they've not had for some time. They've got an ambition and an optimism we're pleased about."
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Hetherington also revealed that players from both teams who featured in that cup final 20 years ago will be guests of Leeds on Sunday - as well as the Rhinos coaching staff from the 2003 season, which includes current Warrington coach Daryl Powell, who was head coach of Leeds in Cardiff.
"We're turning the clock back 20 years and inviting the two squads from 2003 back to Headingley," Hetherington said. "We had a memorable cup final at Cardiff and two games with huge attendances that season, both over 20,000.
"At that time, we were aspiring to become as good as Bradford. They were the leaders off the field as well as on it and that year was the start of a great rivalry. Both squads will be invited, and the coaching team of Leeds from that day - Daryl Powell, Malcolm Reilly and Mick Cook - will all be back. That will bring some great memories from 20 years ago, and at the same time everyone will be able to enjoy what is hopefully the start of a new, bright future for both clubs too."
The two clubs will play for the newly-devised Keith Howard Foundation Trophy, named after a local philanthropist and Bulls supporter who passed away last year. The game marks the start of a link-up between both clubs and their respective foundations to improve the work in the community across West Yorkshire.
"It's all part of a new initiative that's come together between the two foundations of the clubs to pool their resources and do more good work in Leeds and Bradford," Hetherington added.
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