Magical Bai tormented Wigan to get Leeds’s golden era under way

Leeds Rhinos 40 Wigan Warriors 12 - October 8, 2004

As Leeds Rhinos attempt to reach their sixth Grand Final tonight, how they would like to enjoy the sort of electric start which saw them reach their historic second.

In 2004, with the club having frustratingly failed to lift a title since 1972, the pressure was on when they faced Wigan Warriors at Headingley in their final eliminator.

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Second-placed Bradford Bulls had headed there the week previous and upset the minor champions, denying them an instant passage to Old Trafford, so it become all or nothing.

However, Tony Smith’s ebullient side needed less than 40 minutes to confirm their place in the Grand Final, racing into a 22-0 advantage before the break, from which, powerless Wigan simply could not recover.

Prop Danny Ward enjoyed a storming game with some stinging defence and it was the sort of demolition that tonight’s opponents Warrington, now under Smith’s command, currently inflict on other hapless rivals such was its all-consuming manner.

There was little let-up in the second period either as, inspired by Papuan winger Marcus Bai, they overcame a nervy spell to roar on to a 40-12 success setting up a re-run against Bradford.

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Bai, who would finish with his third hat-trick of a stellar debut season in Super League, was pivotal in creating one of the tries of the season along the way.

Richard Mathers took Danny Orr’s kick behind his own line before boldly unleashing the ex-Melbourne Storm wideman who exploited a poor defensive chase.

Bai raced clear before Danny McGuire supported to complete a memorable 100m touchdown.

It was McGuire’s 38th of the season – his 39th would help bring down Bradford and secure their first Super League title – and it knocked the stuffing out of the Warriors.

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Bai – Leeds’s only signing that season – scored the opening try as Rhinos, so profligate against Bradford previously, re-discovered their clinical touch.

Wigan froze early on as Chev Walker muscled his way past Kevin Brown and, after the dazzling McGuire added his, full-back Mathers was next to profit.

Kevin Sinfield kicked three conversions before Andy Farrell, the visitors’ influential captain, finally spurred them into action as he latched onto Orr’s astute grubber kick.

Farrell converted and did likewise when Luke Robinson darted over in trademark style early in the second period.

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Sean O’Loughlin missed an opportunity to slash the deficit further while Bai’s defensive prowess was called upon when his Papua New Guinea team-mate Adrian Lam cut through and supplied Danny Tickle.

The pressure intensified as Leeds struggled to cope and they were fortunate when Kiwi prop Craig Smith fumbled over the line following another attack, Walker’s presence proving crucial.

But relief came when Bai crossed for his second, Ali Lauitiiti having collected McGuire’s high kick.

His hat-trick came soon after following another assist from the Kiwi second-row and the evening saw Bai reach his career century.

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Prop Ryan Bailey bundled over at the death, Dave Furner adding the final kick on the Australian’s last appearance at Headingley.

For disillusioned Wigan, it was another abject failure; since defeating Leeds in the inaugural 1998 Grand Final they had lost three others and now failed in two more semi-finals, a run which got worse and would only, at last, end in 2010 glory.