Rugby League: Kiwis fever hits Leeds

Kevin Proctor in action against England during last year's Four Nations. Photo / Getty

Kiwis fever has hit Leeds, with their tour opening match on Saturday (8am NZT) guaranteed to be a sell out.

The Rhinos are the best supported Super League team but have only had one other sold out game this season, which demonstrates the ongoing appeal of an international touring side.

"It's huge for the city and it's great to have the Kiwis here," said Leeds legend Kevin Sinfeld. "It's something really special and I'm sure it will be a great occasion."

Sinfield is expected to make his final appearance for the Rhinos on Saturday - though he will need to pass a fitness test - as well as New Zealand prop Kylie Leuluai. Leeds have also enticed former Roosters prop Adrian Morley, who played at Headingley as a teenager, and Ali Lauitiiti to appear as guest players for the match.

"All of the boys are looking forward to facing the haka - some of them for the first time," said Sinfield. They will also understand what it takes to face a test side."

Leeds has always been a league stronghold in England and their success in the last decade - they have won six championships as well as two Challenge Cups has only cemented that position. The downward slide of Leeds FC over the same spell has also probably helped the 13 man code here.

They have enjoyed a special relationship with the Kiwis over the years, with most of the New Zealand tours over the last century including a game at Headingley.

"Leeds and New Zealand goes back a long way," said Leeds CEO Gary Hethrington. "We have played each other a lot and there have also been so many famous Kiwi players to have played here. [Saturday] is very special because we have lost those regular tours so it's not often we have an international team to come and play at Headingley.

The last time the Kiwis played a Super League side was in 2002 and their most recent match against Leeds was back in 1993. The two teams have met 11 times, with the Kiwis winning all but two of those games.

"I know the boys are looking forward to it," said Kevin Proctor. "Every game you play for your country is special and it will be a great atmosphere on [Saturday].

The Kiwis had a day off yesterday but were guests of honour at a civic reception on Wednesday night (Thursday morning NZT). They'll have their captain's run at Headingley tomorrow.

- Michael Burgess in Leeds