The Mighty Rhinos
(2022)
‘The Mighty Rhino’s’ was a small publication created as part of the ‘Rugby League Rituals’ project, this time focusing on the Leeds Rhino’s fanbase and support, the photographs aim to visually tell the story of the fans’ pre-match rituals, capturing supporters grabbing their pre-match takeaway food of choice, then heading to the Original Oak pub, catching up with friends, and exchanging pre match predictions, to finally making their way down to Headingly stadium. Initially the photographs taken for this particualr publication were simply meant to be utilised for a test shoot, that was part of the planning for a larger publication about the Hull FC and Hull KR triannual derby, however after taking these photographs and having informal, yet meaning conversations with the participants it was clear that a wonderful story was beginning to emerge around the way in which the supporters communities band together in times of need.
“One conversation that really stood out was with a family in the Original Oak pub, I noticed that they were taking a photograph of a pint next to a bench! I proceeded to joke with them and say ‘would you like me to take a picture of that for you in exchange for a group photograph?’ This then lead them to point me to a bouquet of yellow and blue roses along with a plaque that read ‘Raymond’ in the place of the Leeds Rhino’s logo.
The family explained how they were taking a photograph next to the plaque as it happened to be a memorial for their beloved freind and rugby league superfan Raymond Greenfield. Dubbed Leeds Rhino’s ‘Number One Ambassador’, Raymond was enjoying a drink with pals on Saturday the 11th of August before a match against Toulouse when he unfortunately suffered from a fatal heart aneurysm. Raymond was 33 at the time and after his untimely passing, a fundraising day was organised within the local community, raising funds for a new defibrillator to be installed at the Original Oak in honour of Raymond.
The family explained how they were taking a photograph next to the plaque as it happened to be a memorial for their beloved freind and rugby league superfan Raymond Greenfield. Dubbed Leeds Rhino’s ‘Number One Ambassador’, Raymond was enjoying a drink with pals on Saturday the 11th of August before a match against Toulouse when he unfortunately suffered from a fatal heart aneurysm. Raymond was 33 at the time and after his untimely passing, a fundraising day was organised within the local community, raising funds for a new defibrillator to be installed at the Original Oak in honour of Raymond.
His Family and friends were kind enough to point out this Defibrillator to me and told me to photograph it and it was a thing of beauty! Although I am sure that nothing can ever replace the loss of losing a loved one in such a sudden way, it was wonderful to see that even though Raymond was no longer with us, he continues to inspire support from his fellow Rhino’s to make positive things happen within the community.”
If you wish to read more about Raymond and his defibrillator I have included some links below:
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/leeds-rhinos-headingley-rugby-league-15205375
https://m.facebook.com/LSLocalTV/videos/1336517439859010/
