Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they will host Hull KR in their final pre-season game in early February with the fixture being set as James Donaldson’s Testimonial match.
It will be the final game of the Rhinos pre-season before they head into the Super League campaign where they’ll face Salford Red Devils in round one, also at Headingley.
The clash with Rovers will serve as James Donaldson’s testimonial with the forward having been awarded a three month testimonial from the RFL on account of his services to the game.
During his time in the sport Donaldson has donned the shirt for both the Rhinos and Rovers, whilst also having played for Bradford Bulls too, whom Leeds will also face in pre-season.
Both Leeds and Hull KR took to their social media to confirm the date, with the Rhinos releasing a statement detailing Donaldson’s contributions to the game.
“Leeds Rhinos will take on Betfred Super League rivals Hull KR in their final pre-season game on Sunday 4th February at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium in James Donaldson’s Testimonial match, kick off 2.30pm.
“Donaldson has been awarded a three month testimonial by the RFL for services to Rugby League having given outstanding service to Bradford, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos since making his professional debut back in 2009. The forward is one of the most popular members of the Rhinos squad having originally arrived at AMT Headingley in 2019 on a one month trial. He has since gone on to win a Challenge Cup with Leeds and appear in a Super League Grand Final.”
Commenting on his new deal and the testimonial Donaldson said, “I will always be grateful to Leeds for giving me the opportunity to come to this great club. I have gone on to win a Challenge Cup and appear in a Grand Final, and hopefully, there are more good times ahead for this exciting group of players. I moved away from my home in Cumbria when I was still at school to pursue my dream of playing Rugby League and, despite some ups and downs along the way, I still love playing the game.”
The clash against Hull KR will be the last of the Rhinos pre-season schedule and only one in February, with December and January fixtures already confirmed.
Rohan Smith’s side take on Wakefield Trinity in the traditional Boxing Day game at Headingley, before January sees them face Bradford Bulls to contest the Keith Howard Memorial Trophy.
