Leeds Rhinos can spend up to the salary cap - with supporters and sponsors’ help - says Gary Hetherington

But he has stressed the importance of existing season-ticket holders and sponsors renewing their backing and others coming on board as the club battles back from the coronavirus pandemic.

As reported in yesterday’s Yorkshire Evening Post, Hetherington is confident crowds will be allowed back into games when the 2021 campaign begins in four months’ time.

Rhinos have been without match-day income since March – leading to cost-cutting, including wage reductions – but Hetherington pledged: “We will be working to the salary cap, like many other clubs will be as well.”

He said: “In terms of prospects for 2021, what we have is a very solid operation and the foundation to achieve success.

“It is challenging times for the business and with that we need all our fans to renew their membership. That’s the best way fans can support the club – and we need others, who have maybe been members in the past, to return. That will be really appreciated.”

Hetherington continued: “We also need new sponsors. Our sponsors have been terrific in their unstinting support, but we have lost some, who have unfortunately suffered as a result of the epidemic. Some of our sponsors have gone bust so we do need to replace them with new ones.”

Rhinos have yet to announce any signings for 2021 and major changes are unlikely.

Rhinos prospect Muizz Mustapha signs new deal - but joins Hull KR on season-long loan – read more HERE

“In terms of the playing squad, I think we have got a really good, strong squad,” said Hetherington.

“We have a good blend of experience and youth and we have also got our best crop of young players for 20 years.

“It is important those emerging young players do get an opportunity. Some of them have had opportunities this year and we need to build on that going forward.”

But the Rhinos chief vowed: “You are always looking to strengthen and that search will continue.

“If the right players come along, within the salary cap, Kevin (Sinfield, Rhinos’ director of rugby) will be looking to add to that.

“We have the salary cap so that is where we will be at.”

Former Great Britain and St Helens scrum-half Sean Long has already joined the club as assistant-coach.

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He replaces James Webster, who is returning to his full time role as team coach at Featherstone Rovers.

“We have an outstanding backroom staff as well in Kevin, Rich (Agar, Rhinos’ coach) and (assistant-coach) Jamie Jones-Buchanan,” claimed Hetherington.

“I think Sean Long will add to that with his creative thinking and will have a real impact on the quality of rugby we play and the style we play.

“I think we’ve already become a much better team to watch and I think that will only get better.

“I think we will become a very difficult team to beat and a very entertaining team to watch as well.”

He added: “What’s very noticeable is we have a great spirit in the club.

“In many ways it is reminiscent for me of the 2003-2004 era when we were hopeful and excited about what we thought we could and might achieve.

“I get the same feel now. We have come through a really difficult two- or three-year period.

“It was always going to be a challenging time on the back of pretty much 15 years of almost continual success, but I do feel quite excited about what we might be able to achieve going forward.

“Back in the early 2000s, we knew we had the potential and you could feel the desire and commitment were there and you start to develop confidence as well.

“I detect all those sorts of characteristics in our current operation.”

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