Stevie Ward plays full part as Leeds equal record and begin search for new leader | Aaron Bower

Having battled through depression, the inspirational Ward is a strong candidate to replace Danny McGuire as new leader of Leeds Rhinos

Stevie Ward may not have been the one scoring the tries and garnering the plaudits during Leeds’ Super League Grand Final victory on Saturday, but he is more than deserving of his time in the spotlight.

For all the talk of high-profile rugby league players and their off-field indiscretions in the week leading up the Old Trafford showpiece – in which Leeds defeated Castleford 24-6 – Ward is a shining example of everything that is good in rugby league: the warriors who put their bodies on the line just for a chance of success. Yet it could have easily been so different for a player who has already experienced enough ups and downs to span an entire career.

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from The Guardian http://ift.tt/2gnaLf0