Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brian McDermott will get to see his full squad in action during a busy pre-season ahead of the new Betfred Super League season.
The pre-season campaign kicks off on Boxing Day with the traditional Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge against Wakefield Trinity. Due to the construction work at Emerald Headingley Stadium, this will take place at Wakefield this year on Tuesday 26th December, kick off 11.30am.
The Rhinos will break new ground on Friday 19th January when a side will travel to play Coventry Bears, kick off 7.45pm at the Butts Park Arena in Coventry. Leeds and Coventry last played Rugby League against one another back in 1913 when the Leeds club triumphed 102-0 in what is still a record score for the Leeds club. Whilst the Bears are hoping for a much closer game some 105 years later there will be a major emphasis on the historical connection between the two cities and their last Rugby League encounter.
We are delighted to announce we will be playing @SuperLeague Champions @leedsrhinos on Friday 19th Jan in Coventry https://t.co/DV2NEaj1el pic.twitter.com/aNk1p2SPR4
— CoventryBearsRL (@CoventryBearsRL) November 1, 2017
Coventry Bears Managing Director, Alan Robinson, is delighted to welcome the recently crowned Betfred Super League champions, he commented, "This is the most important Rugby League game to be held in Coventry since the 2016 Four Nations and we are honoured that the most successful club in the Super League era of the sport will be gracing the hallowed turf of the Butts Park Arena. This is a unique opportunity for Bears' fans, rugby enthusiasts and general sports followers in Coventry, and the wider Midlands region, to witness an iconic sporting institution on their doorstep and we would encourage everyone who enjoys live sport to come along.”
On Sunday 21st January, the Rhinos will travel to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to face last year's League Leaders Shield winners Castleford Tigers, kick off 3pm.
On Friday 26th January, Leeds will travel to face Featherstone Rovers for our usual pre-season clash against our dual registration club before two games in February against Kingstone Press League One opposition. The Rhinos will play at Keighley Cougars on Sunday 4th February, kick off 3pm, in the Brendon Rawlins Testimonial game before making the short trip across the River Aire to play Hunslet RLFC at the South Leeds Stadium on Friday 9th February in the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Cup, kick off 7.30pm.
Tickets and travel for the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge are on sale now and can be purchased online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling 03714231315. Ticket details for the remaining pre-season games will be available in the coming weeks.
