'We have to do justice to the badge': Aidan Sezer on why Leeds Rhinos won't hold back in Kiwi clash

Rhinos coach Rohan Smith has named a strong squad including 15 of the 17 players on duty in the Betfred Super League Grand Final defeat by St Helens a fortnight ago.

The Kiwis will be without their six players involved in last weekend’s NRL title decider and have drafted in Wigan Warriors’ Thomas Leuluai and Willie Isa and Dean Whare of Catalans Dragons to bolster their numbers.

It is their last warm-up game before their World Cup campaign begins against Lebanon in Warrington nine days later and Sezer reckons neither team will be holding back.

“It is always going to be competitive,” the number seven, who missed the Old Trafford showpiece through concussion, stressed.

“They throw us a football at training and it becomes competitive. That’s what we are, we are professional athletes and all we know is to be competitive.

“Your pride is always on the line and the badge is always worn and we have to do it justice as players.

“It will be a tough game for us, against a team of internationals and one of the favourites for the World Cup, but it will be good to test ourselves and hopefully perform in front of our fans.

“We want to give them a good send-off and then see them back at Headingley next year.”

Rhinos had a week off after the Grand Final before getting back into training on Monday and

Sezer admitted it is a “strange” situation.

But he stressed: “Rohan and Rich Hunwicks [Rhinos’ performance director] have done things to kick us back into gear this week and it has been fun.

“It has been enjoyable getting back around the boys after what happened two weeks ago. It will be exciting coming up against boys I have played against in the NRL and also a good experience for our boys coming through and the younger boys in our squad to play against this calibre of top players and see what it is all about.”

Rhinos haven’t faced an international side since the Kiwis seven years ago and it will be a career first for Sezer.

“That’s what makes it more special,” he said. “It’s a great experience to come up against one of the favourites for the World Cup and also, it is a unique occasion for our fans and for the older boys in our squad, like myself.”

The World Cup begins a week on Saturday when England take on Samoa in Newcastle, with Australia playing Fiji at Headingley that evening.

“New Zealand and Australia will always be strong,” Sezer predicted. “Being over here, I want England to do really well.

“I think the Super League doesn’t get enough respect internationally. Being Australian I know that, but I know there’s so many quality players running around in Super League and so many quality English players.

“Hopefully they can stay healthy and get a fit squad and perform really well, because I think this country deserves it.”