RL star devastated as mementoes stolen

Leeds Rhinos forward Ryan Bailey was helping to secure a 26-16 Engage Super League victory over Bradford on Sunday when his home in Stanningley, West Yorkshire, was ransacked.

The four rings were among the items stolen in the burglary. They are presented to each member of a Grand Final winning team at Old Trafford.

Bailey is one of only seven players to have played in all four of the Rhinos' successes since 2004. The rings are only produced for the final and have a distinctive design incorporating the S logo of Super League.

Bailey, 26, said: "I am devastated. A lot of the other things that were taken can be replaced but I can never replace how much those rings mean to me.

"They have some very special memories and I have earned them through years of hard work and determination, they are not just a piece of jewellery that you can buy."

The former Great Britain prop, who has been with hometown Leeds all his career, added: "I would love to get them back. I'm not sure that whoever took them realised how sentimental they are. In terms of cost they are not worth that much but to me they are priceless.

"Thankfully my family was not at home at the time so at least they were safe, but it has certainly shaken them up."

Bailey's father, Martin Richardson, hit a gun-wielding robber with a chair as he tried to hold up a William Hill bookmakers in Leeds in January.

Mr Richardson disarmed Azar Sulman, who had a fake handgun.

Police urged anyone with information about the burglary at Bailey's home to contact them on 0845 6060606. People can also contact the club in confidence at [email protected].