Leeds Rhinos next fixture confirmed as they face Wakefield Trinity in festive friendly held on new date

Last night Leeds closed the chapter of their history called 2022.

It was a chapter which had a horrific start as Leeds started with just one win in the opening two months of the season.

One of the main characters, coach Richard Agar, was written out of the story earlier than anyone expected as he valiantly fell on his sword in a bid to revitalise the Rhinos.

Relegation threatened especially as bottom club Toulouse came to town in April in a real basement battle, but the Rhinos found a way to win.

Then the new king arrived in the creative Rohan Smith. He turned the Rhinos around losing just six games all season.

Dramatic wins against Catalans, Huddersfield and Castleford led them to an unlikely play-off spot before Leeds would defy the odds to beat Catalans and Wigan and book their place at Old Trafford for the Grand Final.

In the end, the decider was one step too far as St Helens were too strong. Then a night of farewells came last night against New Zealand in a special occasion at Headingley. The last chapter may not have quite been the return to glory fans dreamed off but as the last sentence was written it ominously beckoned Smith’s first full season and what Leeds fans hope will be a return to glory with some new characters entering the book in the shape of Justin Sangare, Luke Hooley, James McDonnell and Leon Ruan.

The next chapter starts at Leeds, as they always do, at Headingley in the height of winter as we put Christmas behind us and the Rhinos host West Yorkshire rivals Wakefield in a festive friendly.

This year’s battle won’t take place on Boxing Day as tradition dictates but will in fact take place on December Tuesday 27th.

This because Leeds United host a high profile fixture on Boxing Day against Premier League Champions Manchester City.

Wakefield will also be starting an exciting new chapter. It sees a new young coach bring exciting new ideas to the fold in Mark Applegarth alongside some exciting new faces like Morgan Smith.

The hope is, he can spark a climb up the table and avoid another relegation battle.