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Why it will be Thirsty work for the Rhinos in Perpignan
by Peter Smith LEEDS Rhinos will be hungry for victory in France tomorrow – and thirsty as well.
Rhinos will be sporting a new look when they face up to Les Catalans Dragons at Perpignan's Stade Aime Giral.
The one-off kit has been designed to sidestep French advertising-laws – which ban alcohol sponsorship in sport.
Rhinos are sponsored by Tetley's – whose logo has been replaced on the new shirt by the word "Thirsty".
Scrum-half Rob Burrow said: "The lads are really up for our first game against the Dragons."
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington added: "Tomorrow's game will be our first game against the new French side and all the challenges that brings.
"Tetley's has demonstrated its commitment to the Rhinos and rugby league by proactively seeking a solution to this problem."
Meanwhile, Tony Smith today insisted Leeds Rhinos have learned their French lesson.
Tomorrow's game comes eight months after Rhinos lost 32-24 to London Broncos at the same venue.
Smith said the experience of last year's on-the-road fixture will be crucial as they prepare for this weekend's engage Super League showdown.
"Last year will help us, without a doubt," said Smith.
"We know a lot better about the stadium and what to expect and where we are staying, that sort of thing.We're happy with that knowledge. Most of the team have been there before and they are comfortable about going back again.
"We will be able to make it as normal as possible, while being in a different country."
Rhinos jetted to France today – giving them one fewer day of the country than last year.
"That was a conscious decision," said Smith. "You can spend too long in hotels, the boredom creeps in and you have to keep the players occupied.
"We're going the day before and that is enough preparation, it is long enough to acclimatise. The difference in temperature is not going to be that great at this time of year and I don't think we need as long to acclimatise as we did last year, in the summer.
"We're flying over today and we'll train at the stadium this evening. Instead of training in Yorkshire, we'll be training in Perpignan."
Rhinos have had two days' less rest between games than originally planned after the home derby against Castleford Tigers was postponed from last Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
"That's no problem, we will be fine," said Smith.
"It has changed our preparation slightly, but we have no problem with that. The way the guys handled the change at the weekend was very good and they will handle it this week.
"We don't have too many concerns about that."
Winger Danny Williams has been left out of Rhinos' 18-man squad. Williams injured a hamstring in the win over Castleford last weekend and will not be risked.
Prop Nick Scruton, who did not play against Tigers, has also been left out from the 20-man squad named two days ago, but was expected to travel today as injury cover.
Teenage half-back Jordan Tansey is included in Rhinos' 18 and is poised to make his Super League debut.
Meanwhile, Les Catalans' new coach Mick Potter will not be in charge for Saturday's game – but short-term signing Mick Dobson could feature.
Potter has joined the French club from St George-Illawarra, but will not arrive in Perpignan until next Wednesday.
Les Catalans have signed Dobson from Australian National Rugby League outfit Canberra Raiders to cover for injured half-back ace Stacey Jones and he is available for the game tomorrow after arriving in France on Monday.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
