Rhinos line up busy pre-season

Leeds have confirmed five pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2011 season, with another game still in the pipeline.

The Rhinos take on Bradford in their first game of the new season at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 13th February, and have given new coach Brian McDermott numerous opportunities to test out his new side.

Their traditional Boxing Day clash against Wakefield takes place at Headingley (11.30am) in what is their only home pre-season date, and they will make the short trip to Hunslet for a friendly at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday 16th January (3pm).

The following week, the Rhinos travel to Featherstone, with new recruit Zak Hardaker lined up to play either against or for his former club.

Leeds then travel to Cumbria to play Whitehaven as part of the continued relationship between the two sides on Sunday 30th January (2.30pm) before a trip to York on Wednesday 2nd February (8pm).

Chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “We are looking forward to taking on all four teams in our build up to the new season. It is an important period for us with a new coaching team in charge and a large squad of 31 players looking to impress ahead of the start of the new campaign. We are particularly looking forward to our return to Cumbria and helping out Whitehaven, who were so welcoming last season

“We are also hoping to include one more pre-season fixture against Super League opposition.”