Ambitious Rhinos keen to expand their home comforts

LEEDS RHINOS are ready for some home comforts.

The Yorkshire side announced themselves in style when they debuted in the Vitality Netball Superleague last season, cracking the top four to qualify for Finals Day.

But the squad who ultimately finished fourth, never got to play in Leeds. The 2021 campaign was, due to Covid, played in just two centralised venues: Wakefield’s Studio 001 and London’s Copper Box Arena.

It’s why England international Vicki Oyesola is so eager to find out if there really is no place like home – and hopes Yorkshire fans step up to support her side.

“We’ve obviously not had a home game yet,” said the defender. “So, we’re really looking forward to getting the home fans in, getting that crowd energy, because when you’re on court and you can feel the crowd behind you it really makes a difference.”

Rhinos begin with a tough test on Sunday against defending champions Loughborough Lightning in Birmingham.

Resorts World Arena will host an opening two-round weekend extravaganza featuring all 11 clubs before the season settles into the home-and-away format. Rhinos then travel to Strathclyde Sirens in Scotland before making their home debut on Valentine’s Day.

The club hope it won’t be just Leeds fans who fall in love with the squad, which boasts the Vitality Roses’ most-capped player Jade Clarke and 23-year-old Rhea Dixon, who scored 194 goals for Leeds last season and earned her first England call-up.

To build their fanbase, Rhinos will use both Sheffield’s English

Institute of Sport and the University of Hull’s Allam Sports Centre for home games this season. Their Leeds debut won’t come until March 6, when they host Wasps at First Direct Arena.

“We want to build a fanbase all around Yorkshire,” said Oyesola.

“There’s such great passion in Yorkshire. I’m from London, so the difference being up north is it’s a lot more friendly.

“People always come up to you and have a chat, it’s a really friendly atmosphere and everyone is just really passionate and proud of where they come from. It’s an honour to represent the region.”

Leeds Rhinos get their 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague campaign underway on 5 February. Buy your tickets to the Season Opener and to their home games at venues around Yorkshire here: https://www.netballsl.com/ tickets/