Leeds Rhinos: Rhinos are the best-supported club in Super League '“ for the fourth year running

Following the final home game of the regular season – last Friday’s win over Wigan – Rhinos have attracted an average attendance of 15,828 for their 11 home games in 2016.

The average is just 85 people down from last year’s treble-winning campaign, a decrease of less than one per cent, and this despite disappointing results which has seen the team at the foot of the table for much of the season.

The aggregate attendance totalled 174,110 with an average of 15,828 making the Rhinos the best supported team in the First Utility Super League for the fourth successive season.

Chief executive Gary Hetherington, said: “We are delighted to have maintained our fan base throughout what has been our most challenging season to date, and I would like to thank and pay tribute to the fans themselves who have continued to support the team home and away this season.”

He added: “We still have a major task on our hands in the Super 8s, but hopefully the team can continue their good form this Thursday at Hull KR and secure four home games in the Qualifiers.

“We then look forward to welcoming some old friends back to Headingley Carnegie and saying farewell to the South Stand over the coming months.”

Subject to planning permission, the South Stand is set to be demolished this close season having been built in 1930.

During the construction work in 2017, capacity at Headingley Carnegie will be restricted to just over 13,000. Membership renewals for 2017 are available now with existing members having first opportunity to secure their place for next season before any unsold tickets go on general sale from November 6, 2016.