Leeds legends Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow determined to bow out with yet more Rhinos silverware
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When Leeds Rhinos played a moving film tribute to Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow after their semi-final win over Hull FC, there were tears all around Headingley.
But none of them came from the two men on screen.
The two Rhinos legends - numbers six and seven for each of the club’s seven Super League titles - begin new chapters after Saturday's Old Trafford showdown with Castleford.
Skipper McGuire joins promoted Hull KR, while Burrow hangs up his boots for a coaching role at the club.
Their iconic contributions to the Rhinos’ unparalleled Grand Final success - McGuire scored the decisive try in their first win in 2004 and Burrow arguably the best the fixture has seen in 2011 - featured in the club’s emotive film.
(Image: Press Association)
But both had both already turned thoughts to their final match in the blue and amber.
McGuire said: “If that would have been our last game and we’d have lost the semi then I think it would have been more emotional.
“But because my next thoughts were playing this week that wasn’t the case.
“The video was really nice - the ‘Opera Man’ was singing, and we had a lot of messages on Twitter from people saying how emotional they were.
“There were a few people crying, including my mum. But we were just trying to keep everything in check because I’m really determined to play well this week.”
Burrow was similarly focused on the challenge ahead.
(Image: PA)
He said: “The big thing for me was having my daughters there with me.
“It was really special and an overwhelming night - I’m lucky to be at a club that puts so much into the players. It’s something I’ll probably look back on in a month’s time and break down crying at how much it meant.
“But at the time I was just relieved to have won the game.”
The Rhinos have history in sending departing stars out on a high.
Tony Smith’s final game in charge in 2007 was a Grand Final win, while in 2015 retiring trio Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield and Kylie Leuluai all brought the curtain down on their careers by completing an historic treble at Old Trafford.
(Image: PA WIRE)
McGuire added: “I remember sitting with JP and Kev having a beer after it, and the satisfaction they must have been feeling is something I’d love to feel on Saturday night.
“In the last 20 minutes, JP was flying about making tackles out wide and having that determination to pull out that little bit more.
“You try not to speak about it and get emotional but you do want to send your mates out in the best way possible.
“I remember thinking in 2015 that whatever I’ve got, I want to tip it out there because I want those boys to feel brilliant after this game.
“I know Rob will get everything I can give on Saturday - he’ll get the lot because I want him to finish in the best way possible.”
Perhaps come 8pm tonight there might finally be some tears from two players that have helped shape Leeds Rhinos’ history.