Joe Bedford

Stood in the belly of Meadow Lane, socks rolled around his ankles, his body battered and bruised, Joe was emotionally charged after Jannie Bornman’s stunning late try.

Referring to speculation that his head may not be 100% focused on Rotherham he said, “I am going to give all I’ve got every week for the club, as I have done all season. Every week bodies are hurting, it’s been such a long season, but for me and the boys there’s something in there and I don’t want to let anybody down. This is a great opportunity for all of us. I’m here to the end and that’s what is important to me.

“I don’t think anybody watching that game today could say that I did not want to be playing for Rotherham and that I’ve completely lost the plot and that I don’t want to be here for the rest of the season because I’m going to Leeds.

“I will die for this club until the end of the season. I owe a lot to the supporters, I owe a lot to Andre and I owe a lot to Martin Jenkinson, Brian Chapple and the Board who have stood by me. They shook my hand and wished me all the best for next season and I’ve promised them I’d do a job and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to win this league for Rotherham!

“The cynics may say that my heart is no longer in it now, but that is just rubbish as far as I’m concerned. Look at it from my point of view, I don’t want to let my mates down and I’ve got a lot of friends in that changing room.

“There are people in there crying today because of what it means to us to get that win and them five points. I don’t want to let them down and I don’t want to let my family down and I don’t want to be remembered for letting Rotherham down.

“And for the next six games I can promise you that I am going to lead from the front and stick my hand up and say, “Follow me boys, get stuck in, take the knocks and get the reward at the end.”

“Anyone that does doubt my integrity will do so at their peril. I was born to play rugby and as far as I’m concerned I’m a born competitor. Whether it is for the West Leeds fourth team or the Rotherham first team, I want to score that try.”

As Rotherham chase their dream of a third tilt at Premiership rugby, they can be certain that not only will Joe Bedford be giving his all – but the entire squad will be doing the same for the club.