Leeds win emotional pre-season derby in front of packed Headingley

James Messenger 12 Jan 2020 6:07 PM

Leeds claimed an emotional 34-10 pre-season victory over Bradford in a joint fundraiser for Jamie Jones Buchanan and Rob Burrow.

In front of a sold-out Headingley, the Rhinos claimed victory in a game which featured a number of legends for both sides in the closing minutes.

The official attendance was 19,700, with over 3,000 Bradford fans making the short trip across Yorkshire, helping to raise over £30,000.

? The epitome of bravery. #OneRobBurrow pic.twitter.com/4QqBzMF4iT

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) January 12, 2020

The likes of Robbie Hunter-Paul, Stuart Fielden, Nathan McAvoy, Matty Blythe and Wayne Godwin appeared for the Bulls, while Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire, Keith Senior, Kylie Leuluai, Jamie Peacock, Ryan Bailey, Brett Delaney and Jones-Buchanan all featured for the Rhinos.

With five minutes remaining, Burrow entered the field to a standing ovation from all corners of the ground, the emotion clearly visible on his face.

Rob Burrow enters the field ? Not a dry eye in the house@leedsrhinos' Rob Burrow & JJB fundraiser live on @SkySportsRL Arena & Mix now #OneRobBurrow #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/eFBt1Nghrm

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 12, 2020

The game itself was a hotly contested affair for the most parts, with Rhyse Martin crossing for an early double, before Ross Oakes replied on the half hour mark.

Liam Sutcliffe and Brad Dwyer scored for the hosts before the break, but Thomas Doyle reduced the deficit with a scampering effort moments after half-time.

Nevertheless, half-back’s Callum McLelland and Richie Myler crossed in the space of nine second half minutes to help the Rhinos ease clear in the closing stages.