By leedsrhinos.biz
July 2 2007

Two of the most well respected rugby league names, Leeds Rhinos and South Sydney have united at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium to create a ground breaking new partnership. It's good news for the club as it gives them a chance to effectively 'swap' players. All the information..

The club have once again formed a partnership, but this time with a rugby league club in the NRL. The oldest in fact, South Sydney. It will see the two clubs exchanging players and also play a pre season game in Florida, which will please the players of both clubs!

South Sydney are part owned by the famous actor, Russell Crowe, who has been a keen force behind the new alliance. "Russell is very keen on the idea and we believe it will have great benefits for both clubs," said Souths' chief executive, Shane Richardson, who is in Leeds to finalise the agreement between the clubs. "We look forward to working with Leeds to create the two best rugby league clubs in the world."

"This is a first in rugby league and an exciting and innovative development for both clubs," Gary Hetherington said. "Leeds and Souths are two of the most recognised brands in world rugby league and we each have a proud history of some of the greatest players to ever play the game having graced both clubs."

The new relationship opens the possibility of players crossing the world on loan, although Super League's new quota restrictions coming into action next season could limit Leeds. It’s also good news for the management of the club as the staff exchanges start this week with their chief operating officer, Brandon Punter, on a month's loan to Leeds.