Leeds Rhinos: Ward sets up online magazine

The venture, called Mantality, will make its debut at First Utility Super League’s upcoming Magic Weekend, when an excerpt will feature in the official programme.

Ward, who has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury last September, says the magazine will look into the ‘dark side of sport’ and is an alternative to traditional, glossy lifestyle publications.

“It’s something that has not been done before by a rugby league athlete,” Ward said.

“It is unique in that sense and it is going to be ‘real’ – something people can look at and relate to.

“It is going to be honest and true accounts from experienced people across every arena.

“It will include travel, vigour – which is workout and fitness – mind and music.

“I don’t have all the answers, but it will be a ‘real’ lifestyle magazine, it is going to have an essence of grit and honesty to it.”

Ward said he is tired of articles promising readers the secret of ‘how to get a six-pack in 10 days’.

“I have never had a six-pack and I have trained all my life,” said Ward, who is hoping to be back on the field before the end of the regular Super League rounds.

“It has been frustrating being out injured and this is something to focus my drive on. It is going to be true and honest accounts which are a response to the glossy, materialistic stuff you see in lifestyle magazines or on social media and it will be related by an athlete who has been at the bottom and the top of rugby league.

“I am just a lad from Morley who is going to give it a dig.”