Why the biggest cheer at Leeds Rhinos Friday night was not for the players but for the delivery of the match ball

Despite last night being one of Leeds’ biggest wins of the season, a victory that eased them one step away from relegation fears whilst dovetailing as Rohan Smith’s first game in charge at Headingley and Zak Hardaker’s second home debut for the club, the biggest cheer of the night was not directed at the players or the performance.

Instead it greeted the match ball but why?

Well that’s because it was delivered by a young rugby player from Ukraine. After Headingley had stood up to applaud Maurice Lindsey following his sad passing this week, fans from both teams cheered on young Dima who delivered the match ball.

Only young, Dima plays rugby back home in Ukraine which is sadly now gripped by war with Russia and it was his job to deliver the match ball to referee Chris Kendall.

The youngster clearly enjoyed the moment not delivering the match ball on the first attempt instead opting to run around near the Rhinos’ tunnel.

You can watch the heart warming moment here:

ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴀ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ!
Thank you to all the fans from Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity who made sure young Ukrainian Rugby League player Dima received a massive welcome to West Yorkshire when he brought on the match ball ahead of tonight's @superleague clash🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/qerC35QsoU

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) May 20, 2022