Friday represents the final time Gary Hetherington will get to his desk at 6.30am as the chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, having spent almost 30 years taking them from the verge of extinction to the best run club in the worldGary Hetherington brings out the match ball at Headingley for the final time(Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)Gary Hetherington will have one last drink with colleagues on Friday before he closes the curtain on his tenure as Leeds Rhinos’ chief executive.But it shouldn’t be just those in the Headingley banqueting suite raising a glass to him because Hetherington leaves behind an astonishing legacy. During his time in charge, he has improved the lives of those past and present who are associated with the club. Hetherington’s tenure as club manager has seen the Rhinos reach 30 finals and win 18 trophies. He also helped to establish a successful academy that produced some of the most exciting players in the sport, including Kevin Sinfield. The stadium was completely transformed, the Rhinos foundation formed, and the team won the title for women, the disabled side, and the partnership with Yorkshire CCC lasted for many years.Hetherington stated in his last interview before stepping aside that “in any job you do you hope to leave things in a much better place than they were when you started.””I had a four-fold objective. Give the city an organization it can be proud of. Create a sustainable company, transform the stadium into a top-notch rugby arena, and build a connection with the local community. I would like to believe that I have achieved my goals.”Hetherington took over the Rhinos with property magnate Paul Caddick almost 29 years ago. They found a club with a debt of £5.5m, a team that had almost been relegated and a huge challenge ahead.But together they turned the Rhinos into the most successful club in the world.Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington, who is stepping down(Image: PA)”I took over the rugby related income and costs,” adds Hetherington. “I had no money.” The club had a £5.5m overdraft and the bank had said ‘no more’.”I knew there was potential here. It felt like a good challenge. I didn’t actually know Paul but we got along. I told him we needed £1m and three years. I said that the partnership would be based on his money and my enthusiasm.Hetherington, a self-described “control freak”, has been working nonstop for almost 30 years. He gets to his office every morning at 6.30am. He has a reputation as being a fierce and tenacious negotiator. Straightforward. I don’t have a good reputation for being too generous. This is unfair. I’ve always recognized success. If someone achieves, I will acknowledge it.”The World Club Challenge represented the pinnacle. The moment that stands out for me is probably beating Manly in this match, but everything has been special. Also, we have had some fantastic local players. Leeds boys.”Former Leeds Great Britain Great Rob Burrow who died at 41 after suffering from MND for almost five years (Image: Getty Images). One of them was Rob Burrow. A close friend and club legend of Hetherington, he lost his battle with MND nearly 18 months ago. Kevin Sinfield called. It was a real hammer. It’s the worst prognosis possible because it is certain.It was devastating. Rob’s character and his bloke-ness were reflected in the way he fought. As the cortege walked to his funeral through streets lined with people, it was amazing. It was tough.What would you like to see on his Rhinos epitaph?”That I gave it my all.”
2025-10-30 18:00:00
Gary Hetherington’s five-word verdict perfectly sums up glorious Leeds Rhinos reign
