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Matthew Shaw

Leeds Rhinos supporters dare to dream as Grand Final glory comes to the forefront

"It's happening again," one pocket of Leeds Rhinos fans bellowed in the moments after the dramatic win over Huddersfield. The rest of the South Stand sang gleefully about Old Trafford. But this time, it wasn't sung in sarcasm, it was sung in belief.

When Blake Austin surged to the line to score the winner the decibel levels inside Headingley were among the highest this famous stadium had heard. An eruption of noise raised the roof off Headingley, Leeds Rhinos fans are dreaming again.

And dream they should. This Leeds Rhinos side doesn't fill rival fans with the dread teams of yesteryear did, when there was an apparent inevitability that Leeds would crush the dreams of the rest even when everything suggested they wouldn't. But with the Rhinos on the rampage again, those unwanted memories are being unlocked. Leeds' winning streak is becoming agitating and worrying for the rest.

Read more: How social media reacted to controversial Leeds Rhinos incident and Chris Hill sin bin

The reality is, excluding St Helens, Leeds have defeated every other team currently holding a play-off spot in the past month. That's a very optimistic sign for a squad that has hit form and is welcoming back players at the right time.

Yes, they had some luck at the end. Yes, Huddersfield will be rueing four missed conversions. But the simple fact is Leeds found a way to win, again. Despite their attack not firing, despite spending twenty minutes a man down, despite being behind with minutes to go.

The great Leeds teams of the past often won when they shouldn't, regularly triumphed when their backs were against the wall. The current crop did that here. Ironically, it was on a night where they wore a jersey dedicated to the great number seven of the Golden Generation.

There is a buzz of anticipation, a smouldering of belief, a canvas of excitement. Headingley believes. The past few months have seen Leeds fans focus on the race to make the play-offs. Now they have seemingly sown up a spot, supporters are turning their attentions to a Grand Final return after five seasons.

Strap yourselves in for the next month because Leeds Rhinos could well be on a collision course with Old Trafford. If the brakes are put on that, then at least Rohan's Rhinos have made it a damn good ride on the way.

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