I felt for the last few seasons Leeds have being undercooked when the season starts, due to the limited friendlies we play in preseason.

Preaseason has already started a few weeks now for many of the Rhinos squad, yet the only fixtures announced to date are the boxing day farce, and the annual Hunslet match.

Players always say they can't wait to play games rather than just traning, yet for some it will be many weeks of constant field work if we go as we are.

Anyone know if any more plans for Preseason games this year? I notice the championship one doesn't kick off until two weeks after super league this coming season, so our dual registration will be a bit of a later starter if fringe players are not up to speed.

Preseason for me should always be the time for players to put themselves up for a shirt. We have plenty of fringe players looking for a shot, so for me ensure they get that shot. Would have liked to have seen games against Championshp testers like Sheffield, Featherstone, Halifax, and a couple of games this time where the actual first team players all play.

Given that half the matchday team have now finished the world cup and will be taking a months break the emphasis for them in January will be to get the preseason done and matches may not be as important.

There will also of course be a week in the sun somewhere as part of that further limiting match opportunities

I await the obligatory 'we play every team in the league twice as pre-season friendlies' post.

And what about the fringe players looking for a chance to stake a claim?

26/12/2013 - Wakefield Wildcats
26/01/2014 - Hunslet Hawks

The two confirmed.

Ryan Baileys testimonial match to be confirmed also, which i believe will be against Super League opposition.

I believe the team are also going to Dubai for pre-season training camp, where Salford and South Sydney are also going for their pre-season training camps.

I'm pretty sure there will be matches, you had already identified two and I'm sure that there will be more for the fringe players.

You also wanted a few games where the full first team would get hitouts before the start of the season.
That may be less practical although we shall see. Given the length of the season for some players and the fact that the regular season is used for play off qualification the management may decide that it is not absolutely necessary to have the team hitting the straps in time for the first league fixture

Isn't that what the Hunslet game gets used for?

One game playing with other kids?

Have we previously used that game to declare that someone has now proved themselves ready for a shot?

I expect the 1st team to use Baileys testimonial as their full pre-season hit out as per previous years.
As for fringe players staking a claim I doubt they'll be considered unless injuries kick in given the Coach rarely rotates when possible and picks his team irrespective of form for many & certain players have little more than a pulse fitness wise.

Can't say that.

Let's face it, it's only 2nd December as well

Gotcha - how many friendlies do most teams play? The fact that Leeds look under cooked is training issue - i.e. too much strength and conditioning not enough ball skills and moves. It could also be the coach hasn't got a clue what he is doing!!