Leeds Rhinos riding high on confidence after '˜first-class' tour, says chief Hetherington

Leeds Rhinos fans in Melbourne. PIC: Brendon Ratnayake/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ

CONFIDENCE HAS not been dented by Leeds Rhinos' World Club Challenge defeat, according to chief executive Gary Hetherington.

Rhinos suffered a 38-4 loss at Melbourne Storm five days ago and have little time to pick themselves up before Sunday’s tough Betfred Super League game at Widnes Vikings.

The majority of Rhinos’ squad arrived back in England on Sunday, with a small group touching down the following day.

The players have been given until tomorrow to recover before beginning preparations for this week’s clash on what has become a bogey ground for the reigning champions.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive, Gary Hetherington.

Leeds’ last three visits to Widnes have ended in defeat – by a combined scoreline of 122-56 – and the hosts will be in confident mood after a stronger-than-expected start to their campaign.

They beat Catalans Dragons in their opening game before narrow defeats by Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves.

With full-back Jack Walker (knee) and loose-forward Stevie Ward (calf) both having joined Rhinos’ injury list, Widnes will see it as a golden opportunity to return to winning ways.