SUPER League champions Leeds Rhinos are keen to strengthen links with Whitehaven after their weekend trip to the town proved a big hit.
Haven fought back to beat a Rhinos side including six first-teamers 34-32 at the Recre on Sunday, in front of Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington, head coach Brian McDermott and a host of their top players.
And Hetherington, one of the game’s most influential figures, sees good times ahead for Haven.
“We are always keen to help those who try to help themselves, and Whitehaven are a club trying very hard, with a bright future,” he said.
“The prospect of the new stadium could really be the catalyst for delivering their vision in the future, which is to provide a Super League presence in West Cumbria.
“The relationship continues to prosper and we are very appreciative about how well-received we are in the area.
“It’s a rugby league area and we have a lot of Leeds Rhinos supporters in West Cumbria. That link will continue to grow.
“The work we have been doing in junior schools and at clubs is very encouraging, and we have a partnership now with the lottery, which continues to grow and develop, and we are all very encouraged by that.
“Some of the Whitehaven board and sponsors will be coming down to some Leeds Rhinos games during the season.”
Leeds paid their own expenses for the trip to Cumbria and did not take a penny of match revenue.
And Haven are hugely grateful for their continued involvement.
The Leeds Rugby Foundation worked in local schools and at amateur clubs last week and over 200 people attended a fund-raiser with the Rhinos’ first-team squad at Summergrove on Saturday night.
More than 150 youngsters turned up for a training session the following morning, again, with many of the Leeds stars. And later in the day, Haven scored 22 unanswered points to edge out the visitors, earning praise form Hetherington.
“It was a great effort from Whitehaven to come back like they did,” he said. “Leeds Rhinos were well in charge, and in the second-half the tables turned, with Whitehaven dominating possession.
“They did well to come back and win. Whitehaven fans will be very encouraged by the performance.”
Haven coach Don Gailer will now visit Headingley to study the methods that have turned the Rhinos, under McDermott for the first time last term, in to Super League champs once again.
“Their senior people, Brian and Gary were here, and I had a talk to Brian on Saturday night,” Gailer said. “He’s a sensational bloke and it shows his mettle that he was also here for Sunday’s game when he has a Super League side to prepare.
“From a footballing point of view, I can’t thank them enough for what they done. Our association with Leeds will only get stronger.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with them, and more importantly, looking forward to spending more time with our squad, as they are a great bunch of blokes.”
Gailer was delighted with stand-off Carl Rudd’s second-half performance against the Rhinos and also noted Leeds’ talented No 6 Stevie Ward, who has been handed a first-team squad number at Headingley this term.
“It looked like he had spiders on him in the first-half, as no one wanted to touch him,” the coach said. “Even towards the end he looked dangerous.
“It will be interesting to see where he goes as he looks a very, very classy young player.”
http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/haven/leeds-and-haven-keen-to-strengthen-links-1.921003?referrerPath=haven/haven-news