Leeds make history, farewell to the legends and Barrie pips Terry feature in this week's Set of Six..
Monday 12 October 2015 14:43, UK
Leeds make history, farewell to the legends and Barrie pips Terry feature in this week's Set of Six..
When it matters, Leeds always seem to pull it out of the bag. They clinched a remarkable treble on Saturday when they added the Grand Final to the League Leaders Shield and the Challenge Cup. It was the fairy tale ending for Kevin Sinfield, Kylie Leuluai and Jamie Peacock who said the treble will never be done again.
"It is the greatest achievement of any team that I have played in," said Peacock.
"It is incredibly tough and I'm doubtful that it will ever be done again. I say that with the greatest respect to Leeds and the other teams, but I know how difficult it has been - with the new structure, where Wembley is positioned in the season - to do what we've done.
"You saw our dip in form after Wembley, it wasn't through a lack in trying. It was just through the emotional effort that Wembley takes out of you.
"I've never been part of a season that has as many moments so close together and so many big performances. I feel fortunate to be in a great team."
Danny McGuire was the worthy winner of the Harry Sunderland Trophy as his performance for Leeds was just outstanding. McGuire's Big Match temperament is superb and he was not fazed by the occasion as Leeds went looking to make history.
He scored two tries to help the Rhinos race to a 16-6 half-time score, but it was his calmness under pressure when Wigan fought back that mattered. His support lines were exemplary and it was his telling high kick that resulted in the winning try for Josh Walters.
We spoke about the end of an era for Leeds as Sinfield, Leuluai and Peacock ended their careers. For Sinfield, the most successful Leeds skipper of all time, it's a change of codes as he looks to try his hand at the 15-man game with Yorkshire Carnegie. Peacock leaves the game as the most decorated player in Super League history boasting nine titles from 11 Grand Final appearances. Hull KR will benefit greatly for having Peacock join their coaching team next season.
Like Peacock, Leuluai is also retiring from the game but will be staying on at Headingley as a welfare officer. The 37-year-old has been in superb form and the fact that he continued to play such a key role in their campaign, despite his heart condition, is a testament to the man.
Leeds may be losing key players but the future is certainly bright for Leeds fans. It was 20 year old Josh Walters who scored the winning try for the Rhinos while Liam Sutcliffe, Stevie Ward and Brad Singleton have made their mark on Super League.
Newly crowned Man of Steel Zak Hardaker is only 23 while 19 year-olds Ash Handley and Ashton Golding have also shown plenty of potential.
Spare a thought for Wigan who more than played their part in a thrilling Grand Final. Warriors coach Shaun Wane admitted that winning the Grand Final was an obsession for him and that it would take some time to get over it if they lost. How long this loss will affect him remains to be seen but he was proud of the efforts of his team and gracious in defeat.
"They [Leeds] started the game better than us and I thought we dominated the second half but didn't put enough points on the board to win the game," said Wane.
"I'm proud of the effort in the second half; we were just a bit dumb in the first half.
"They've won it and well done to them. They're a champion team and never give in. But I'm so proud of our effort.
"A lot of players are coming to an end of an era there and we're just starting. We've got some good young players coming through and we're in a positive place.
"It hurts like hell today, like nothing before, but we'll be there for many years to come."
It was a close race this year with both Barrie and Terry doing their best to win. Terry won the race to the play-offs but Barrie hit back with his Super 8s predictions. With one win apiece it all came down to the Grand Final.
Barrie was never going to back anyone but Leeds so Terry went for Wigan. Well done Barrie for winning this year - next season e are looking to take Barrie vs. Terry to a whole new level!
