Following on from their sponsorship of Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire, UAN are delighted to be supporting Ryan Bailey’s testimonial shirt this season.

Leeds born prop Ryan Bailey is another Rhinos Academy graduate, who made his debut for Leeds against Wakefield in June 2002. Academy players have formed the core of the Leeds squad which has been so successful over the last decade. His impressive record at the club has seen him play in sixteen finals, collecting six Grand Final winner’s rings and three World Club honours.

Signed as a teenager from local amateur club Milford in 2000 he was an integral part of the Championship winning Academy side of 2001. He is one of the best tacklers in the side and is a real powerhouse, which makes him a valued member of the squad and a fierce competitor for his opponents. He has often been likened to former Leeds great Adrian Morley with his aggressive tackling style and direct running.

Ryan made his debut for the Rhinos first team the week after scoring a hat trick and four goals for the Senior Academy at Widnes. The following week he trained with the first team squad and when Wayne McDonald was ruled out through injury, Bailey earned a place on the bench.

In 2006 Ryan played a major role for the England side that captured the Federation Shield. Ryan played in every game in the qualifying rounds and was in the starting line up in the team who defeated Tonga in the deciding game.

In 2011 Ryan was in outstanding form and won over a number of critics with his committed and powerful performances. He was part of the Grand Final winning squad and earned a recall to the England squad for the Four Nations. During the 2012 season Ryan was given a new role and played at loose forward as well as prop and scored four tries, his best ever total for the Rhinos.

Ryan says that his happiest place is when he is playing at Headingley Carnegie with the lads, the greatest influence on his career is his mum and he dislikes cats.