The glory days are returning to Leeds Rhinos, says Rob Lui

Robert Lui believes Leeds Rhinos are returning to their former glories.

The club enjoyed the most successful period in their history through the noughties and 2010s but have struggled through a transitional stretch in recent seasons.

However a squad overhaul by head coach Richard Agar midway through last season, along with the progression of a number of young players, has brought about a change in fortunes.

Lui is one of the players Agar added in the 2019 rebuild but the former North Queensland stand-off says the club’s youngsters will be the ones to bring the club success for many years to come.

He said: “I believe from the younger boys coming through that they are starting to find their potential and what they are capable of.

“The likes of ‘Mikolaj Oledski, Cameron Smith, Alex Sutcliffe, Jack Walker. They have come through the system and are the new generation.

“I believe if we can build on our current success, then in five or six years they could win all the trophies and being in the Challenge Cup Final will help with that.”

Lui is set to feature for Leeds in next week’s Wembley showdown against his old club Salford Red Devils.

Excited to run out on the big stage, Lui has expressed his disappointment that the cup final will remain behind closed doors.

He added: “We will not have a crowd but the journey and emotions that everyone has been on to get there has been challenging.

“It is still going to be a hard game. We know all of our fans will be watching in Leeds and all around the world.

“The intensity will be a typical final. Salford will bring their best game and we have to match them but I reckon it will be a good game.”

Lui also added some words on Rhinos club legend Rob Burrow who is in a long battle with motor neurone disease and will watch the game from home.

“Rob Burrow may not be at the game but he will be in our minds on the day of the game,” said Lui.

“I think, not only for the game, but for the whole year we have had Rob with us.

“He presented my jersey when I first came over and I gave him a hug as that is how much I like Rob.

“He is a tough warrior and we will represent him and Leeds come Saturday.”