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5 Questions: Family divided as Hetheringtons prepare for big derby
THIS WEEK, Leeds Rhinos' businness executive Lucy Hetherington talks about life as daughter of Leeds chief exec Gary and Hull director Kath.
How divided is the Hetherington household in the lead up to a Hull v Leeds clash?
"Not as divided as it used to be because all three of the kids have moved out, which makes life a little easier. Now there is just my mum in one corner and my dad in the other and my Aunt Dot playing referee in the middle! Back when we were younger, me and my younger sister Polly cheered for the Rhinos and my brother Matthew supported whoever was offering the best meal."
Is the losing family member likely to take defeat on the chin, or sulk until the next meeting between the two teams?
"The two of them could not be more different when it comes to losing.
If it is my dad, he takes defeat on the chin but if it is my mum she will sulk and far beyond the next meeting of the two teams! Dad is probably the most gracious loser I know, especially if it has been a good game and he has enjoyed it, but my mum is the complete opposite."
Will you be at tomorrow's match and dare you cheer if Leeds score a try?
"I'm not going to this one but I'm sure it will be a big game for both clubs.
Working at Leeds in the Commercial Sales department, my mum knows where my loyalties lie.
On a match night at Headingley Carnegie, I look after the Executive Suite and I know of lot of those guys will be travelling across to the KC Stadium hoping for a win so it should be a good one."
With a family steeped in rugby league, were you keen to follow in that tradition and work in the game as well?
"That certainly wasn't the plan! Growing up, we were obviously surrounded by rugby league at Sheffield Eagles and then Leeds Rhinos but the intention wasn't to follow that as a career. I did a degree in politics which I suppose you could say does comes in handy sometimes though!
There is a lot more to working in the commercial side of things than just the rugby, which I think people outside of the club probably don't realise, you only have 13 home games a year so your business needs to be more than just about the game."
You are the Rhinos' business development executive, what does that role entail?
"I work in a team led by our commercial director Rob Oates – who as a Leeds fan will be at the KC Stadium tomorrow – which includes Lisa Crooks, Charlotte McGahey and Emma Warden.
We are fortunate to have some great sponsors and corporate clients which ranges from big companies to lifelong fans who want to enjoy an extra special night at the rugby.
We realise that times are tough so we make sure that they have a great night and get value for money regardless of the result because that is the one thing we can't control! Thankfully, though, the team have been doing their bit, too, in the past few years."
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
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