Former Leeds Rhinos star denied Headingley appearance due to ban

Tonight is a special night at Headingley as the Rhinos play host to New Zealand tonight.

The game will not only be New Zealand’s warm up game for the World Cup, but will act as Thomas Leuluai’s final career appearance as he leads the Kiwis out onto the field tonight.

Also making his final career appearance prior to retirement is Adam Cuthbertson. Winner of five major honours with Leeds, he has spent the last two seasons with York and Featherstone but will make his last appearance tonight in the blue and amber of Leeds.

Tom Briscoe captain’s the Rhinos in his last appearance after nine seasons with the club winning six trophies as Brad Dwyer also makes his farewell as does Muizz Mustapha.

Liam Sutcliffe misses out on his farewell through injury. Meanwhile, Bodene Thompson’s last Leeds appearance will come alongside friends Junior Sa’u and Salford’s Elijah Taylor as former Rhino Jimmy Keinhorst is another guest player for the Rhinos this evening.

One man who was set to also guest star was former Leeds skipper Luke Gale. Gale captained Leeds to Challenge Cup glory in 2020 even nailing the decisive drop goal.

However, his Leeds career came to a premature end with injury against Leigh last season.

He has trained with the Rhinos this week but couldn’t play after picking up a ban in his final appearance for Hull FC in the Hull derby defeat to Hull KR.

He took to Twitter to express his pride in being asked back but also his frustration at missing out: “Thanks to Leeds Rhinos for the opportunity to train with lads over the last few days… Gutted I can’t take the field tonight due to my 1 game ban as been upheld by the RFL!”

Thanks to @leedsrhinos for the opportunity to train with lads over the last few days… Gutted I can’t take the field tonight due to my 1 game ban as been up held by the RFL!

— Luke Gale (@snozzer_gale) October 8, 2022