Both Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity fans packed into AMT Headingley Stadium to continue their festive celebrations and both sets of fans arrived with smiles on their faces.
That may have been because they were full to the brim with turkey or satisfied with their Christmas presents yesterday but the more likely explanation is the renewed optimism at both clubs as the new year approaches.
Wakefield may have been relegated but they now have new owners, a top tier coach in Daryl Powell and some stunning signings as well as a redeveloped stadium as a high IMG grade beckons.
As for Leeds, their fans believe the glory days could be back after some major signings and today was their chance to see the likes of Andy Ackers, Matt Frawley, Lachie Miller and Mickael Goudemand whilst fellow new recruits Brodie Croft and Paul Momirovski are in Australia.
It was two of Leeds’ new recruits who created the majority of their tries. Lachie Miller created the first when Leeds were 16-0 down as his kick was grounded by Luis Roberts. Then in the second half Leeds completed their comeback from 22-6 down when his bullet pass was taken by Derrell Olpherts in the corner.
That was his second with Andy Ackers creating tries for the former Castleford Tigers winger and his skipper Cameron Smith to get the comeback really going after Jack Smith scored an intercept to make it 22-12.
Wakefield had the better of the first half and had plenty to smile about when Romain Franco, Matty Ashurst, Max Jowitt and Lachlan Walmsley scored some impressive tries so there were things to smile about for both teams.
Leeds fans had more to cheer about though and they made up the vast majority of the stunning 9,565 crowd at AMT Headingley showing the strength of their fan base.
This is superior to the average attendance recorded by seven Super League clubs last year which is truly impressive.
Wakefield fans should be commended as well for travelling in numbers.
12. Wakefield Trinity – 4,320
11. Salford Red Devils – 5,121
10. Huddersfield Giants – 5,244
9. Castleford Tigers – 6,976
8. Leigh Leopards – 7,254
7. Hull Kingston Rovers – 8,769
6. Catalans Dragons – 8,773
5. Warrington Wolves – 10,894
4. Hull FC – 12,053
3. St Helens – 12,783
2. Wigan Warriors – 13,198
1. Leeds Rhinos – 13,805
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