Rugby League Veteran Ryan Hall Set to Return to Leeds Rhinos

Homecoming for Veteran Winger

Last week, rugby league fans were surprised to hear the news of Ryan Hall‘s return to Headingley, the home of the Leeds Rhinos. The veteran winger, who will turn 37 in November, is set to embark on his second stint with the Rhinos, nearly 18 years after making his debut at Magic Weekend in 2007. During his initial 12-year spell at the club, Hall played 330 games, winning multiple trophies, including six Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and two World Club Challenges. However, since his departure, the Rhinos have only managed to lift one Challenge Cup in the past five seasons.

Refuting Fairy-Tale Claims

Despite suggestions that Hall’s homecoming was more of a “fairy-tale” signing rather than one driven by a genuine desire to help the Rhinos regain their former glory, the player himself has refuted those claims. Speaking after Hull KR‘s recent 26-10 victory over Wigan, Hall acknowledged that it took him several weeks to decide on the move, but emphasized his focus on the current season with his present club.

“I love playing for Hull KR right now and I love the team I’m playing in right now. I’m not just going there to stand and wave at the fans and copy along, I’ve got a job to do.”

Desire to Restore Rhinos to Former Glory

Hall’s return to Headingley is motivated by a desire to help restore the Rhinos to the heights they achieved during his initial tenure.

“They’re probably not where they were when I left them. I’d like to get some work done on trying to push them up the hill,” he explained.

Consistent Try-Scoring Ability

One of the key aspects of Hall’s game has been his consistent and impressive try-scoring ability, even as he has entered the latter stages of his career. The veteran winger currently sits just two tries behind the all-time Super League try-scoring record, held by his former Leeds teammate Danny Maguire. Hall’s physical and powerful style of play has been a key factor in his success, and he has revealed the technique he has perfected over the years.

“I like to preserve the space, so I’ll go into the man, knowing that the space is still on the outside. Rather than running towards the corner, I’m running towards the defender, which means that he can’t fill up that space, so I’ve still got the space to put it down in the corner,” he explained.

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