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Leeds Rhinos: Cyprus trip can get the campaign off in style - JJB
England forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan reckons that warm-weather training in Cyprus will help Leeds Rhinos to “hit the ground running” this year.
Rhinos’ first-team squad return to England tomorrow after a week at an RAF base on the island.
That will give them just over three more weeks to prepare for their Super League XVII opener at home to Hull KR on Friday, February 3.
With Leeds’ England players only having begun pre-season training last week, Jones-Buchanan admits there is no time to lose – which is why he reckons the week away has been so crucial.
“We are getting everything done that we came to do,” said Jones-Buchanan, who is preparing to begin his 14th season in Leeds’ first-team squad.
“We’ve had some warm weather in the mornings but it has been pretty wet in the afternoons.
“When it rains here it really rains, the storms are pretty intense, but getting together as a group on the field has been really good.
“Everyone’s getting stuck in. The big goal is to come out of it so we can hit the ground running and make sure we get a good start.
“We want to start the season like we finished last year, so we are pretty cohesive, we understand what we want from each other and most importantly we understand what Mac (coach Brian McDermott) wants from us.”
Jones-Buchanan has been impressed with the way recruits Richard Moore and Darrell Griffin have settled in.
“The new guys have been brilliant,” he said. “A lot of us know Richard from a few years ago, when he was playing in the academy here – or we’ve played with him for England A.
“He is fitting in really well and Darrell Griffin is an older player, he’s really mature and a nice out-going lad.
“He is also settling in really well and it is like they have both been with us for years.”
Bonding
Jones-Buchanan said there has also been a bonding element to the camp – including an X-Factor-style competition to write a new team song.
“The bonding is in the travelling and existing together,” he said. “The dynamic is changing a bit, I am one of the older guys and I have not been on a camp with so many youngsters.
“There’s some really good young players and they are becoming a really good part of the team.”
Jones-Buchanan and his England team mates had a six-week break following the Gillette Four Nations final.
“All the lads have really looked after themselves,” Jones-Buchanan said. “Being healthy and fit is one of my strengths, so I have kept on top of it.
“But no matter how much running and cycling you do in the off-season, there’s nothing like match fitness or getting a rugby ball in your hands.
“We’ve had some catching up to do, there’s a few calls and things that have changed, but we’re enjoying it.
“It is great to be back, it’s like being away from your family.
“It is great to get a break and to spend time with your real family, but getting back with your mates is like being back at school.
“Part of the reason for the success we’ve had over the past decade is because we all get on so well.”
Rhinos’ players have also held coaching sessions for children of RAF personnel at the Akrotiri base.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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