LEEDS RHINOS assistant Jamie Langley can’t wait to go back to Bradford Bulls admitting: “It’s great to renew this rivalry.”
The West Yorkshire derby neighbours face each other in Super League on Good Friday for the first time in 12 years.
Former England loose forward Langley was part of the great Bradford sides that ruled supreme, winning the 2005 Grand Final against Leeds, and also claiming two World Club Challenges.
Bradford, of course, then fell on hard times, being relegated in 2014, the year after Langley ended his long association with them.
But they’ve finally returned to the top-flight this term.
And Langley, 42, enthused: “It’s great to see them back in Super League.
“As an ex-Bull I still hold the club in really high regard.
“I spent the best part of 13 seasons there, so it’s fantastic to see them back in Super League, doing really well and competing.
“Back then there were some unbelievable times – and I was really fortunate to be part of them.
“In the late ‘90s and into the early noughties Bradford were at the height of their powers as were Leeds.
“At that time I believe it was the biggest derby in the game.
“We had 25,000 at Odsal; they were absolutely packed to the rafters.
“I remember early experiences, curtain-raising with the Academy and then being sat up on the top before the Coral Stand was built.
“You had that bird’s-eye view of the game and it was just unbelievable.”
Langley played more than 250 games for Bradford.
“I also remember going to Headingley and it was an intimidating atmosphere for a young kid, walking out in front of the old South Stand.
“But the games were always super competitive. They were really enjoyable and some of the best memories I have are of playing against Leeds.
“I’m looking forward to going back now with Rhinos – but we’ve got a job to do.”