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‘Before we get on to the questions, we have another announcement,’ Bryan shouts over them. ‘More squad news.’

The room falls silent again.

‘As you all know, there’s been a lot of talk about whether this season might be Eddy Hood’s last,’ Bryan continues. ‘Eddy has been at Leeds for a long time, he’s served us well, and we owe him a debt. We firmly believe that Eddy is at the top of his game, which is why we’re making a commitment to him, a two-year contract. We believe that with Eddy and Jamie playing alongside each other, they’ll lead the Lions to victory, like they almost did for England.’

Eddy comes out and joins them, taking his seat at the table.

I can’t help but smile, because I never thought I’d see the day Eddy Hood and Jamie Royle were sitting side by side – not just as teammates, but as friends too.

Now everyone is shouting out questions.

‘One at a time, one at a time,’ Bryan insists.

Jamie handles them with the confidence of somebody who has been repeatedly asked to explain himself over the years.

‘It was a difficult decision,’ he explains. ‘Manchester gave me my big break, and I’ll always be grateful for that. But I wanted a new challenge. Leeds are building something, and I want to be part of it.’

‘You’ve spent years describing Leeds as overrated,’ one journalist points out.

‘Things change,’ he says simply. ‘People change.’

He’s right, they do. Jamie has changed. He’s come back from Australia a new man – or the start of one, at least.

‘How do you see Jamie fitting into the side?’ another journalist asks the coach.

‘Very well. He gives us options – and unpredictability. We saw with England what he can do alongside Eddy. We think they’re going to make a brilliant team.’

‘Eddy, was Jamie joining part of your decision to stay?’ someone asks him.

‘I always knew I wanted to keep playing,’ Eddy replies. ‘But having Jamie here feels like a great way for the club to grow, for my play style to adapt, and for the two of us to see what we can continue to do on the same side.’

‘So your rivalry is behind you?’ someone asks.

‘What rivalry?’ Jamie jokes.

Everyone laughs.

There’s no horrible tension between them now; everything feels so easy. My job definitely does, because it turns out it’s much easier to market them as friends than enemies.

The two of them shake hands as they pose for photos, and I never thought I would see the day.

It really seemed like they hated each other – now they’re side by side in Leeds colours, smiling for photographs while Bryan reminds the room that season tickets are about to go on sale.

To think, a few months ago I knew nothing about rugby league, and now it feels like my whole world. Well, with Eddy and me being a couple, and Bryan taking me on full-time. Yep, I got a contract too, but mine doesn’t get a press conference.

When the conference ends, everyone filters out, but Eddy comes over to see me.

‘You did amazingly,’ I tell him.

‘Thanks,’ he replies. ‘I have a good publicity team behind me.’

I smile.

‘You were so cool – I would have been so nervous,’ I insist.

‘If you’re going to be nervous about anything today, be nervous about the family christening we’re going to now,’ he replies.

I laugh.