Since the departure of Danny McGuire, Leeds Rhinos have found it difficult to find a number six who will drive the club forward.
The number six jersey is arguably the most famous and prestigious at Headingley. The legacies of the number 10, 7 and 13 are also decorated but the number six was home to Lewis Jones, John Holmes and then of course Danny McGuire.
In the years before McGuire took on the shirt, Leeds had slumped following the heady heights of Graham Murray’s time in charge. The man who held the number six before him was Ben Walker.
A good player but he didn’t have the Leeds career he may have wanted. McGuire then took on the mantle in 2003 and held it until he left for Hull KR in 2017 after leading Leeds to Grand Final glory against Castleford Tigers as both captain but also Man of the Match.
His halfback partner that night was Joel Moon who took on the number six shirt in 2018 joined by Richie Myler.
This was a partnership that didn’t work and at the end of 2018, Moon retired.
In 2019, the Rhinos signed Tui Lolohea to take on the six shirt but again it would be a move that failed resulting in a relegation battle and a swap deal for Salford Red Devils’ Rob Lui.
After trading Tui for Lui, Leeds had some stability finishing fifth in 2020 and 2021 and winning the Challenge Cup before Lui was replaced by Blake Austin who at times looked like Leeds’ best six since McGuire but his departure to Castleford would leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths.
But Leeds have now gone out and spent £200,000 on the league’s best out and out stand off in the shape of Brodie Croft.
He has signed a deal that is worth a reported $2 million but for Leeds to sign Croft, they had to fend off interest from elsewhere.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Jenna Brooks’ reports for Sky Sports were indeed true: Leigh Leopards held an interest in Croft.
But they were beaten to the punch by the Rhinos who have now got their man as well as teammate Andy Ackers.
Leigh now remain in the market for a stand off following Ben Reynolds’ move to Featherstone Rovers.
