Leeds Rhinos are preparing for their biggest Super League attendance in 15 years at Headingley

However, they are ready to have an even bigger number of fans in attendance this week, with a special occasion not just for the club but for rugby league as a whole.

Leeds v Leigh falls on MND Awareness Day and as a result the game is dedicated as the ‘MND Awareness Game’ with long-time supporters of the club since club legend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease.

There will be an extra dimension of excitement this week, although earlier this month he passed away at the age of 41. As such, the Rhinos say: “The match will mark the club’s celebration of the life of legendary player Rob Burrow. CBE, who died on 2 June 2024″.

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A special Leeds Rhinos crowd

Credit: Imago Images

The club on Monday morning said there were less than 50 seats left in the stadium and less than 500 seats available in the South Stand terrace, heading for a “capacity crowd” of close to 20,000.

It’s a remarkable number of fans marking the occasion with their support and it’s likely supporters from across the country will be in attendance to pay their respects to a very special man.

With around 19,700 fans expected to be in the ground for the match, it is likely to be the biggest attendance at Headingley Rugby Stadium since 2009, where 19,997 turned out to see the Rhinos beat St Helens by 18 -10 in the penultimate game of the regular season. season.

Rob Burrow was in the line-up that day for the Rhinos, wearing number seven.

Credit: Imago Images

They then won nine of their previous ten games and went on to win every game for the rest of the year, winning the Grand Final against St Helens at Old Trafford – again winning 18-10.

This is in stark contrast to the situation now as they have just lost to Hull FC, who picked up just their second win of the season and their first by more than two points.

It also marks an impressive moment for the away team this week as Leigh Leopards were supported by 1,800 fans in Perpignan at the weekend, making it the second week in a row they have been involved in -a game with a large number.