The Tykes spent the majority of their first premiership season firmly attached to the bottom of the table, and by rights, promotion and relegation criteria excepted, should now be playing the likes of Worcester and Orrell in National Division 1. However that didn't happen and now to the surprise of everyone, including the Tykes themselves, they are currently 3rd in the Zurich Premiership.
So what caused the turnaround? Some severe squad trimming and some astute signings, including recruiting former Bath coach, Jon Callard, to work alongside Tykes' Director of Rugby Phil Davies.
"A Star Team, Not a Team of Stars"
A phrase, which perfectly sums up my other team. It's the reason I ended up following two teams, it's the way Leeds Tykes play, the determination, the work ethic, and team spirit. So wearing my Tykes' hat - let me introduce the opposition!
The Front Row
The usual first choice combination of Mike Shelley, Mark Regan, and Gavin Kerr has proved itself to be a match for any in the Premiership.
Mike Shelley (Captain) - A Tykes with Newcastle connections, prop Mike Shelley studied at Newcastle University, and has been a mainstay of the Tykes team since signing from West Hartlepool. Shelley is one of those players, who you don't always appreciate until they are not there. Exemplifies the Tykes’ work ethic.
Mark 'Ronnie' Regan, he was the cause of endless discussions over the summer as the 'will he, won't he sign' saga went on, at the time the Bath fans slated him, criticising his work ethic. Tykes fans though have come to love him. Ronnie may not the best lineout thrower in the Premiership, but he won over the Tykes fans with his leadership and outstanding loose play. His early season performances secured him a place in the England squad for the autumn internationals. He might be a West Country man by origin – but he belongs in Yorkshire.
Gavin Kerr - a.k.a. The prop with the sidestep! A Scottish prop Kerr ran in a 20 metre try against Leicester Tigers last season, and has already had a similar try disallowed this season, unfortunately the referee could not give the try as he was behind play, Gavin out ran him!
Second Row
Chris Murphy and Tom Palmer are the first choice pairing, but Tykes have strength in depth with former Scotland international Stuart Campbell also in the squad. This is going to be one of the key areas on Friday night, Palmer and Maurphy will be looking to dominate Newcastle Falcons' Stuart Grimes and Mark Andrews.
Tom Palmer, currently in the England academy squad & knocking on the door of the main England squad, Tom is highly thought of by Clive Woodward who has recently said that Palmer is likely to get his chance this summer. Superb in the lineout and in the loose, Tom is one of Tykes' top tacklers.
Chris Murphy is the revelation of the second row this season. Praised by Phil Davies at the Leeds Tykes' pre season press conference for his improved fitness levels, Murphy has managed to keep his first team place ahead of new signing Stuart Campbell.
The Back Row
The usual back row suspects are Mather, Hyde and Feaunati, however the Tykes have plenty of cover, with Alix Popham and James Ponton both having made back row appearances.
Cammie Mather, he's the blond one flying in to make the tackle. The unsung hero of the squad, a relentless tackle machine, Cammie just never gives up. Having a brilliant season, and we're sure that the rest of the blond Tykes' dyed their hair in tribute!
Dan Hyde grafts, will do anything to stop the opposition, literally putting life and limb on the line. Like Mike Shelley, Dan is an ex West Hartlepool player, and is usually to be found in the middle of the rough stuff!
Isaac 'Zac' Feaunati. Last season it would be fair to say that Zac wasn’t the fittest Tyke on the pitch, this season he’s been reborn as a leaner, meaner ball carrying, line breaking machine.
Scrum Halves
Take your pick, we’ve 3 good ones! Phil Davies signed
Derek Hegarty in the summer as back up for Scott Benton. Then when Benton was injured Davies brought in
Alan Dickens on loan from Sale. There's not much to choose between Hegarty and Dickens, though I personally think Alan is a touch quicker.
Much to the delight of the Tykes' fans
Scott Benton is back from injury and out to regain his first team place. Dickens started against Bristol on Sunday, with Scott getting the bench spot.
Fly Half
Gordon Ross. The heir apparent to the Scotland No 10 shirt. Ross had a great start to the season with a mammoth drop goal and very cheeky try against Leicester Tigers. Gordon had a dip in from after the autumn internationals, but recent matches have seen him getting back to his best.
The Backs
Diego Albanese, if at the start of the season you had told the Tykes' fans we'd sign a winger who would not score a single try for us all season and yet he would be universally loved and considered one of our best players, we would have laughed. Diego may not have a try of his own, but he has set up so many of the others. Pops up all over the park, loves to get his hands on the ball, and very very good under the high ball. Feisty and fantastic. If he scores his first Tykes' try on Friday the South Stand will explode!
Braam Van Straaten. Much respect for this man, he kept his word about joining Leeds last season after the SARFU offered him another contract, and quite simply is a rugby god. A brilliant tackler, a key player in the Tykes' defence, Braam combines well with Gordon Ross at 10. The man rarely goes backwards, and yes he can kick a bit too...
Tristan 'Wales' Davies. With Japie Mulder's departure at the start of the season Tykes fans wondered if Tristan would be able to fill the gap, we need not have worried. Tristan Davies may be one of the less well known Leeds Tykes players, but he should not be underestimated.
George Harder is just coming back from injury & hopefully George will start on Friday, he came on for the second half against Bristol last weekend and looked much more like his old self. Pure coincidence perhaps but Leeds Tykes' pre Christmas dip in form was while George was out injured. Harder was the mystery summer signing. At the start of the season all we knew about George was that he had played in the 1995 World Cup and had signed from Auckland - that was soon to change... Harder set up Dan Scarbrough's first try with a barnstorming run through the Leicester Tigers, very strong runner, tackles like a steam train and makes metres every time he has the ball. In one word - awesome.
Dan Scarbrough has already made it into the England academy squad. Dan Scarbrough is rapidly tuning into the Gary Lineker of Leeds Tykes, Scabs picked up where he left off last season. The presence of Diego Albanese and George Harder have taken some of the pressure off Dan, who was told by Jon Callard to just follow them up the pitch. That approach seems to be working and Scabs looks set to top the 12 tries he scored last season.
Leeds have strength in depth this year, last season the team picked itself, this year there is more competition for places, so the above are the usual suspects other names may make it on to the team sheet.
So who'll win?
I honestly don’t have a clue. There has been talk of Newcastle Falcons being a 'bogey team' for Leeds, Falcons having won every match so far. However where Tykes are concerned this season you can throw the form book out of the window. Leeds Tykes have an impressive home record having won all bar 2 Zurich Premiership home games (they lost to Wasps and drew against Sharks), even winning when they have not played well. Headingley has become a fortress. Leeds are a far fitter side this season, and this has been a huge factor in their success. The Tykes do not give up and play at 110% for 100 minutes.
The Leeds Tykes team were smarting after losing at Kingston Park earlier this season, they want the win. Having started the season playing for 11th place their eyes are now firmly set on a Heineken Cup place.
If Newcastle Falcons are to win on Friday night they are going to have to be at the top of their game and can not afford to let up the pressure. The sides are fairly evenly matched in the backs and forwards, much will come down to the set piece and which pack has a better game.
My heart says it'll be a win for Newcastle Falcons, my head says Leeds Tykes, with Falcons coming away with a lose bonus. However as we all know anything can happen on the day, a big performance from Falcons and anything is possible.
Editors Note: Post match head for the Long Room Bar in the cricket stand, as Jon Callard usually gives a brief post match speech.
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