The last two seasons have been the toughest most Super League clubs have encountered for some time all thanks to the pandemic.
Not only have teams had to deal with outbreaks of the virus within their squads, lost Australian recruits who wanted to return home during such testing times and been hit with major financial issues, but they also had the difficult task of performing in empty stadiums during the heights of the pandemic.
But to the credit of plenty Super League supporters across the country, despite the fact they were no longer able to attend games during this period, many rejected the offered refunds of their season ticket money. This was done to help support their teams financially during a time in which clubs were struggling to make money without their loyal supporters packing out stadiums.
This was done in both 2020 and 2021 due to the number of behind closed doors games fans across the nation were forced to stomach but it seems their commitment to their respective clubs has not gone unnoticed.
The likes of Castleford Tigers have done their bit to thank fans confirming long ago that those who donated their season ticket money would feature on their 2022 jersey and they made good on that when they released their new home shirt earlier this year.
However, now West Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos have gotten in on the act. In 2020, 75% of Leeds Rhinos season ticket holders donated their membership money to the club with many repeating the gesture in 2021 and now those who did so can enjoy a lovely tribute from the club.
The Rhinos have released a new training shirt featuring the names of supporters who donated their season ticket money to the club in 2020 and 2021 which is available to purchase here for £33.99.
𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 🙌
Rhinos launch new members T-Shirt featuring the names of supporters who donated their membership money to the club in 2020 and 2021.Buy Now➡️https://t.co/c8x9gDTpE6 pic.twitter.com/X5d21UqZbw
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) December 26, 2021
The shirt itself is smart looking but no doubt will have sentimental value both to the players who were still supported loyally throughout the pandemic even winning the Challenge Cup in 2020. But it will also have value for the fans who will somewhat feel repaid especially if the Rhinos can go on to achieve success in 2022 as many are tipping them to do so following the signing of Aidan Sezer, Blake Austin, James Bentley and David Fusitu’a.