Leeds say no to playing more at Elland Road

Rhinos are to stage two home Betfred Super League fixtures at Leeds United’s ground this year as Emerald Headingley undergoes a major redevelopment.

They will face promoted Hull KR at Elland Road on Thursday, February 8 - when they hope for a new Super League record attendance of more than 25,000 - and return there to take on Castleford Tigers in a Grand Final rematch on Friday, March 23.

That has led to speculation Rhinos could switch other fixtures away from Headingley, where the capacity will be reduced this year as the South and North stands are rebuilt.

But chief executive Gary Hetherington confirmed building work is on schedule and all other home games will go ahead at Headingley as announced.

“We have no plans to move other games there,” he insisted.

“The South Stand is due to be open at some stage during the season.

“Initially, for the first game at Headingley, it will be 2,000 season ticket holders who have already secured their ticket for that stand.

“Later on it will accommodate another 1,000 and the next phase is the opening of the full terrace, which is around 5,700, plus 2,300 seats.

“It will be fully open by the end of the season, for sure, but we haven’t got a specific date yet.”

A temporary stand is due to be installed on the north side of the Headingley ground and Hetherington said that is also on schedule.

“They have just about completed the ground works now,” he said.

“The temporary stand is not needed until March, but it will be up at the end of this month or early next month.”