Challenge Cup final - Richard Agar hailed for getting Leeds Rhinos back in trophy contention

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has praised director of rugby Kevin Sinfield for his decision to appoint a head coach in Richard Agar who has helped implement a “remarkable” change in the club’s fortunes.
Mikolaj Oledzki. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Mikolaj Oledzki. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Mikolaj Oledzki. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

They face Salford Red Devils in the Coral Challenge Cup final at Wembley this afternoon, a first major showpiece since winning the Super League title in 2017.

Granted, for a club of its stature, playing in such an occasion is nothing new: this is Rhinos’ ninth Challenge Cup final since the turn of the century alone, more than today’s opponents have played in the famous competition’s entire 124-year history.

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However, it was only last May that, having just sacked head coach Dave Furner after only 14 games and worried by the prospect of relegation, the troubled three-time World Club champions were knocked out of the Cup by part-timers Bradford Bulls.

Former Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity chief Agar, who had initially been brought to Rhinos as head of player and coach development, stepped up but was far from a popular choice among many fans.

Nevertheless, he has helped overhaul the squad, emboldened the club’s promising youngsters and created a playing style that is both exciting and effective.

Leeds are also challenging for the top-four and Hetherington told The Yorkshire Post: “Richard’s first game in charge was Bradford in the Challenge Cup.

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“That really was the state of where we were at that moment in time.

Coral Challenge Cup Preview - The Big Shed, Stretford, England - The Challenge Cup being filmed in studio. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Coral Challenge Cup Preview - The Big Shed, Stretford, England - The Challenge Cup being filmed in studio. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Coral Challenge Cup Preview - The Big Shed, Stretford, England - The Challenge Cup being filmed in studio. (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

“It is quite a significant and remarkable change to where we were only 15 or 16 months ago to where we’re at today with a squad brimming in confidence and potential as well. That (Agar’s appointment) has been proved to be a very good decision by Kevin Sinfield and Richard’s stepped up to the plate and done a terrific job.

“It was never envisaged he’d take over as head coach; I think he’d resigned himself to those days having come to an end and he was on a different career path.

“But he’s done really well and I think it’s actually quite significant for us to be there, back in a major final three years after that last one with effectively a new team.

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“We had a difficult 2018 and a difficult 2019 but to be here in 2020 is very satisfying.

Luke Gale (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Luke Gale (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)
Luke Gale (Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

“Great credit goes to Kevin and Richard, in particular, but with the players, too, and what’s quite exciting is we have a really good mix of senior players and such a great next generation of outstanding young players as well.”

Although Leeds would ordinarily make around £300,000 profit from reaching the Challenge Cup final – before prize money which is divided up by the players – Hetherington backed the RFL’s decision to keep the prestige fixture at its traditional home even behind closed doors.

Salford’s only Challenge Cup win was in 1938 although, ironically, Hetherington was in attendance the last time they featured at Wembley in 1969.

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“I told Salford that – but that I was supporting the other team,” he explained.

“I was a Castleford fan and it was the first time Cas’ had got there in 34 years. I do remember the impact it had in the town.

“There were almost 100,000 people at Wembley that day and Salford were probably the favourites with a star-studded team but Cas came through to win in a close game. I was talking to (former Castleford and Salford forward) Ron Hill the other day.

“He scored all Salford’s points in that final and Salford are trying to locate all the players who did play in ‘69 so I put them in touch with him. He would have been going if not for this (Covid) but it’s where we’re at and it’s important it’s still at Wembley.

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“It’s a real shame for their fans especially as there won’t be many who have ever seen them at Wembley before. But for the club to be going for a first time in 51 years is very, very special and great credit to them. I think it has all the ingredients of a terrific game.”

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Thank you

James Mitchinson

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