Special delivery - Leeds Rhinos stars bring festive cheer to patients at Leeds Children's Hospital

Every winter, Rhinos players donate items from the previous season’s training kit to be sold in the club shop.

This year's Cuthbo’s Christmas Crackers sale, in Rhinos’ new Merrion Centre store, raised more than £1,000 which was used to buy gifts for youngsters spending the festive period at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The initiative was the brainchild of Australian forward Adam Cuthbertson and has continued in 2020 despite his end-of-season move to York City Knights.

In previous years the entire Rhinos squad have visited wards in the Clarendon Wing to hand over presents in person, but Covid-19 restrictions meant that was not possible.

Despite being unable to enter the wards, Rhinos’ players were determined to maintain the annual tradition and today (Friday) centre Konrad Hurrell and forward Alex Mellor - who both featured in Leeds’ Challenge Cup final win over Salford two months ago - delivered sacks full of gifts which will be distributed by hospital staff.

The socially distanced delivery was organised by Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Cares, who have also arranged for Rhinos stars Richie Myler, James Donaldson and Ash Handley to do a question and answer session with patients via Zoom.

The team hope to arrange a full squad visit when restrictions are lifted.

“It is an exciting time, to come and do this for the kids,” said Tongan international Hurrell, who has been unable to return home during Rhinos’ off-season because of the pandemic.

“It is part of our job, the whole team do this every year.

“It would have been nice to do that again this year, we couldn’t do that because of Covid, but I am just glad to be a part of it.”

Mellor also broke into his off-season holiday to help spread some Christmas cheer.

He added: “It’s nice to be able to do this.

“Last year we went round and handed gifts out and saw the kids and made their Christmas.

“This year the situation has meant we can’t, but it is still good to do our bit and do what we can.”

Lisa Beaumont, therapeutic and specialist play manager, at Leeds Children’s Hospital commented: “I want to say a great big, massive thank you to the Rhinos for all the children here.

“The Rhinos have always given us wonderful support and highlights like this really make a difference to the children in hospital.”

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