Rhinos look to future

BARRIE McDermott believes the emerging crop of Leeds Rhinos youngsters can go on to rival the golden era of the last decade enjoyed at Headingley.

The Rhinos won their fifth Grand Final in eight years and have appeared in 14 finals in the last nine years thanks to the rise of Academy products like captain Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire, Ryan Bailey and Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

Rhinos legend McDermott, now Leeds head of youth development, believes a new generation is set to emerge after 13 youngsters from the Super League club were picked by England for their academy and youth squads.

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“I am delighted for the 13 lads who have been included, it is richly deserved for their hard work and dedication to their development,” said McDermott, who took over the Headingley youth system in 2009.

Australian great Arthur Beetson had died after collapsing while cycling on the Gold Coast.

Beetson, who was 66, was a star prop for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs – the team now known as Sydney Roosters – and Parramatta, and also had a short stint playing in England with Hull KR in 1968.

His stint was ended by a badly-broken leg and dislocated ankle sustained in the Christmas Day derby against Hull FC

Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell said: “We are deeply saddened by his death. He was a legend of the game.”