Quote: Gotcha "I said it wasn't a put down and I meant. It just explained a lot.
You started watching in 1999, coincidentally a very good side, who the previous year played in the first Grand Final, and the year you went won the challenge cup final. A year later another challenge cup final, and just three years later challenging at the top, and another challenge cup final, the start of the dominant era.
You had none of the 80's and times of the 90's, waiting years and years for success. That's why I have no time for McDermott, as I don't want to go back to those days, I want the success to continue. So desperate, that my eyes are open in seeing how we are regressing.
Like I said nothing was a go at you, but you just can't have that same desperation. Consider yourself a lucky charm that the success came with you.'"
1999 was the first time I got to Headingley as a 12 year old. Before that I remember watching the 94 & 95 CC Finals defeats, Wigan putting 60 plus on us in a Premiership final. The woeful 1996 season, Bradford knocking us out at the semis in 96 & 97 and Murray's term being bookended with disappointing defeats at home against Cas in knockout rugby. I also had two more CC final defeats to watch. Three playoff campaigns (2000-2002) where we were a clear level behind Saints, Bradford, Wigan at the time and dispatched without ever truly looking like contenders.. Saw us become the first team in 2003 to finish in the top 2 in SL playoffs and NOT make the GF and also consecutive CC semi defeats to Saints in '01 & '02.
Even after the 2004 success I witness double final defeats in 2005 and poor exits from both competitions in 2006.
Whilst I might've seen a few good moments, up until 2007 I'd mostly seen disappointments too.