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Stevie Ward on Marcelo Bielsa and why Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United are so similar

by
Callum Walker
January 24, 2022

Stevie Ward has given his opinion on Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side after doing an interview for renowned football news outlet The Athletic.

Ward himself has been in the news in the past few years following his retirement on medical advice, having been awarded the captain’s armband for childhood club Leeds Rhinos following the departure of Trent Merrin at the end of 2019.

He led out Hull FC in February 2020, but that proved to be the last game he would ever play as he sustained a serious concussion which still makes his life difficult today nearly two years removed from the incident.

And, in a special interview with The Athletic, Ward referenced how similar United and the Rhinos are.

Ward posted on his Instagram page: “It’s a year since I retired from professional rugby league…

“I spoke with @philhay.athletic for @theathletichq about my journey over the last year.

“‘Sport is the be- all and end- all when you’re in it. What happens when you get to the end- all?’

“Well… I got to work and went through a lot of change and pain but also new dreams have been born and new missions are clicking in to place.

“And… Leeds do it different! I spoke about the comparisons between Marcelo Bielsa’s systems at @leedsunited to ours in the past at @leedsrhinos. You do it the hard way, but in the end it’s worth it.

“Seeing all of the comments on @theathletichq piece has really lifted me and I’m proud to help Leeds fans feel the gratitude for our sports teams and what we stand for. Don’t think it will be too hard for @leedsunited fans after the win today 🤪🔥.”