As the new season starts to raise its head on the horizon, and the lads get back into training ahead of the festive challenge, we take a backwards look at the season that was 2005.

We'll cover both the highlights, the lowlights as we wrap up 12 months of following the Leeds Rhinos.

Gareth Ellis was introduced to the Leeds fans after finally signing from Wakefield and the non-playing members of the first team did their bit by shaking the buckets outside the ground for the Tsunami appeal.... The Rhinos announce that over 10,000 season tickets have been sold for the upcoming season....The Rhinos "Dance with the Devil" by staging a training camp with the England RU team....

Barrie McDermott announces the events for his testimonial year.....then the Rhinos win his testimonial game 26-10 against Oldham at Headingley in front of over 5,000 fans. Gareth Ellis makes his debut and Willie Poching grabbing a couple of tries but unfortunately Barrie doesn't get on the scoresheet......

The Academy Grading phases are announced with the 21's getting Salford, Halifax, Warrington and Wakefield, the 18's getting Huddersfield, Warrington, London and Hull KR.....In their last hit out before the Carnegie World Club Challenge the Rhinos beat London 18-6 at Headingley in front out just over 2,000 fans at Headingley.....Barrie McDermott's testimonial year launched with big dinner event in the Long Bar.....and SouthStander.com gears up to help him!

Tony Smith doesn't believe that the Bulldogs will be travelling without some of their big name players for the Carnegie World Club Challenge......A very young Rhinos side throw away a 22 point lead to lose the Lazenby Cup as a late Paul Cummins try wins the day for the Hunslet Hawks.