Lifelong Elland Road fan Luke wants the Leeds football success to rub off onto the Rhinos..and says: Let’s show that the city has TWO great teams
LUKE GALE has urged his Rhinos team-mates to rise to the challenge and match Leeds United’s glory.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men sealed promotion to the Premier League on Friday night and were crowned champions on Saturday after West Brom and Brentford, respectively, slipped up.
Now Rhinos halfback Gale, a lifelong United fan, wants his team to revel in the football club’s success and bring even more pride to the city.
He said: “Seeing the city buzzing and vibrant can help rugby because if you are from Leeds you are passionate about every Leeds team.
“Hopefully we can pick up our end of the deal now and go on and do something equally special.
“As a proud Leeds lad it is fantastic watching Leeds achieve what they have done after 16 years of agony.
“Now it’s our turn to show that the city has two great teams.”
Captain Stevie Ward is also convinced United’s title success will rub off on the Rhinos, who return to action on August 2.
Ward has been a United supporter since he was a boy and said: “It has been such a journey being a Leeds United fan. It’s a good preparation for life and its ups and downs.
“We’ve gone through a lot of pain as Leeds fans over the years but the eruption of emotion and celebration now is amazing. You walk around Leeds and everyone is smiling. “The elation I’ve had this weekend reminded me of winning a Grand Final, it is that special. “I just love that sport can have that effect on people’s lives.
“This is going to be really big for the city and it will be good for Rhinos because lots of fans support both clubs.”
Rhinos have been crowned Super League champions eight times in the 16 years since United were last in the Premier League.
Their last title came in 2017 and hopes are high for this season after four wins from five before lockdown.
England star Gale added: “We have come back into training in great shape.
“There is an unknown factor because of lockdown but I am happy with where we’re at. I’m confident that we can put up a good show when we return.” Ward will miss the first game back against Huddersfield, which is part of a triple-header at Headingley.
He is still suffering concussion problems from a head injury he suffered in the opening game of the season against Hull on February 2. The back-rower said: “The condition is getting better – but I still have to see the specialist and there are things I have got to clear before I can play. “I can get involved again in skills training this week and I’m hoping I’ll be ready to go within the next month or two.”