Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC - How Luke Gale made Rhinos contenders again

The England scrum-half has bounced back from serious injuries to re-establish himself as one of Super League’s finest playmakers, illustrated once more with his man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan Warriors.

What many thought would be an expensive gamble, given his age and those aforementioned injuries, has instead reaped dividends with Leeds – fearing relegation for much of last year – revitalised under his command.

Head coach Richard Agar could not be more pleased although he is also quick to point out the telling input of another of the club’s winter recruits.

“I thought it was evident on Saturday,” he said, when asked about the impact Gale has made.

“I felt last year, from the time I took the reins (in May), we improved to a reasonable level.

“But we felt, as a club, there was something that would only improve with some personnel changes. The qualities – leadership, kicking game and game-management – that Luke brings obviously was something we felt was a must to take us forward.

“His addition and I’d probably highlight the addition of Matty Prior, too, has definitely given us something we were missing in our team last year.”

Many also wondered about the acquisition of unheralded 33-year-old Australian forward Prior, the ex-St George Illawarra player who has operated at loose-forward and prop since moving from Cronulla Sharks.

But Agar – who must wait to see if tonight’s game actually goes ahead after news of Castleford’s Covid outbreak yesterday – said: “Matty is a real unsung hero who probably doesn’t get the accolades and recognition he should.

“But if you ask any of our players they’ll tell you about a guy who turns up every week, has an unbelievable level of consistency, leads our line speed, plays massive minutes, always sticks his hand up for the tough carries and has a ridiculous engine.

“It was only bringing those personnel changes and qualities in from outside that would help us.

“Of course Kruise (Leeming) and Alex (Mellor) have been terrific additions but the seniority, leadership and composure those two have [Gale and Prior] has been magnificent for us.”

Gale, 32, was brilliant in his five years at Castleford, not least when claiming the Steve Prescott Man of Steel and the League Leaders’ Shield in 2017.

Obviously, he fell short in the Grand Final against serial winners Leeds that year, something that partly drove him towards his hometown club when the chance came at last.

As Rhinos now look to strengthen their bid for the top-four, Gale had been preparing to try to orchestrate another victory against a team still coached by his old mentor Daryl Powell.

However, dramatically, it was announced at 10pm last night that Castleford – with just one victory in eight games – had pulled out of the game with nine players missing for Covid reasons.

Leeds will face Hull FC instead so there is no first meeting – yet – with his former employers.

But, on that move, Agar added: “Luke hasn’t really looked back. He’s obviously very fond of his time at Cas’. He is still terrific mates with all his team-mates and we respect that. However, his reasons for joining us made it pretty clear of his desire to come here and win trophies. Not that he couldn’t at Cas; Cas were probably a little better equipped than us to do that when he left.

“But it was a big call on his part. As a Leeds boy it was always his boyhood desire to come and represent his hometown club. He’s been everything [we hoped for].”

Gale also took over the captaincy when the luckless Stevie Ward was stood down in February after ongoing concussion issues.

Agar said: “At the start of the year we felt it was too soon for him [Gale]. We felt he had to integrate into our way of working a little bit better. When I had the chat with him he spoke about wanting to earn the trust and respect of his team-mates and – after a two-year injury gap – basically just get on with playing; there would be enough of the spotlight on him.

“But since what’s happened to Stevie, he’s taken to it easily.”

So much so, he could be lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley in just over a week’s time. If so, no doubt Prior will be in close proximity.