The majority of Rhinos' senior squad were due to report back for pre-season training today.

A year ago, only half a dozen players were in from the start, with most of the squad beginning preparations in January, just weeks before the campaign began.

The build up to Rhinos' latest title defence was due to begin with running tests at Headingley Carnegie's indoor cricket nets.

"Everyone I have spoken to – players and staff – is pretty excited about day one of pre-season," McClennan said.

"The underlying feeling among all at the Rhinos is that we feel excited about getting a proper pre-season in.

"We didn't get that last year, it was a really difficult time.

"I would imagine other clubs feel the same – last year there were a lot of representatives from our game involved in the World Cup and the weather conditions were bad as well.

"We struggled with numbers and fit bodies to do a decent pre-season, but it's not like that this year."

England players Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Danny McGuire and Ryan Hall are all on leave following the Gillette Four Nations and will report back in January.

Recruit Greg Eastwood, who was in New Zealand's Four Nations squad, is due to arrive in England next month and certain other players have been given special dispensation to begin work next week.

Some of the players – like Keith Senior, Rob Burrow, Brent Webb, Danny Buderus and Ali Lauitiiti – haven't had a pre-season for a while," McClennan said.

"We are excited and optimistic we can have a really good preparation for season 2010.

"The aim is to get ourselves into a position where, come January 23 or 24, we have got a healthy squad and we are ready to attack the season."
Senior (shoulder) and Jamie-Jones-Buchanan (knee) are both recovering from off-season surgery.

McClennan has already ruled Senior out of Rhinos' pre-season games, but said he will be fit for the league opener away to Crusaders on January 29.

Fitness testing will take up the first few days of pre-season, but McClennan said the players have been keeping themselves in shape.

"You can't cheat on tests," said the coach. "They will come back and meet the markers that have been put in place for them.

"The most important thing is the players' attitude. "I know every single player is proud of where he is and his position as an athlete."