By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 11:56, Friday, 20 November 2009

Super League champs Leeds Rhinos are to swap sunny Florida for remote Eskdale as they count down to the defence of their title.

The Rhinos warmed up for the past two campaigns in Jacksonville, in 2008 rubbing shoulders with Oscar-winning superstar Russell Crowe, owner of NRL side South Sydney.

But financial constraints have led to a change of plan for next term, with the Rhinos rounding off pre-season preparation with a four-day stint in the Lakes, before facing Whitehaven at the Recre on Sunday, January 24.

Five days later they open their league account against Welsh outfit Crusaders in Wrexham.

“The plan is that we are coming up there on the Thursday and be based in the middle of Eskdale,” said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.

“We are taking over a youth hostel and doing lots of cycling and walking, and all the players will be doing their own cooking.

“For the past two years we’ve been to Florida, and before that to places likes Lanzarote and South Africa. This year is a bit of a diversion. It’s a unique experience, something different.”

Hetherington described the decision to stay in England as mainly a cost-cutting exercise. Though it will also see them strengthen links with new partners Haven.

“We are planning some community-based activities, and on the Saturday night all our team will attend a dinner, with all proceeds retained by Whitehaven,” he added.

Leeds’ latest accounts this week revealed a record turnover of over £10m. The club made an operating loss of £324,945 for the year to December 31, 2008, Hetherington explaining this was due to expenditure of £500,000 on emergency repairs to Headingley’s South Stand and other refurbishments to the stadium.

First published at 11:22, Friday, 20 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk