Leeds Rhinos and Hunslet Hawks ‘twin’ in players link-up

Fringe and lower grade Leeds Rhinos players will join Co-op Championship neighbours Hunslet Hawks on dual-registration from next season under a partnership between the clubs. launched today.

Rhinos will also help Hawks in other departments, including media and marketing.

Hunslet are a fans-run club after being taken over at the start of the season by the Hunslet Independent Supporters Trust.

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Hawks chairman Neil Hampshire said: “We work closely with the RFL who have consistently held Leeds up as an excellent role model for rugby league clubs, so the opportunity to work in partnership with them was too good to miss.

“I’d like to reassure our fans that this in no way affects our independence and it’s more about how we can learn and grow as a club in the local community.

“It’s the reality of where we are right now and I’m certain more Super League and Championship clubs will start to ‘twin’ in the near future.”

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said the deal is “a real chance for both clubs to work together for the benefit of rugby league across Leeds”.

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He added: “I’m sure some fans will view this as Hunslet becoming a feeder club for us, but it will actually be the Rhinos who are sending players to them. Hunslet has a strong and proud tradition in the game and I think what the current board are trying to do is commendable and should be supported.”