Rhinos open their competitive season at home to non-league Wests Warriors in the Challenge Cup third round on Saturday and Super League begins with the visit of Wakefield Trinity seven days later.
Leeds haven’t won a Challenge Cup tie since lifting the trophy at Wembley in 2020 and are on the back of successive eighth-placed finishes on the league ladder, but Hetherington reckons things are looking up.
He revealed season ticket sales have increased on last year as excitement mounts over what coach Brad Arthur’s new-look side could do.
“There’s a lot of confidence around the Rhinos at the moment that we will have a good season,” Hetherington said.
“We have increased our membership numbers, which is encouraging and all our corporate partners and sponsors are on board.
“While it will inevitably be another tough season for us – and everybody else, for that matter – I am quite excited by our prospects.
“The new signings have gone down well and there’s a feelgood factor around the place and a confidence about what we can achieve – but I reckon every other team is feeling the same, because that’s what happens in pre-season.”
The RFL say season ticket sales across the 12 Super League clubs are up by more than 10 per cent on 2024 and an aggregate attendance in excess of 70,000 is expected for round one.
First, Leeds Rhinos have to deal with amateur opponents in the Cup. Only two stands will be open at AMT Headingley, but Hetherington hopes fans will support a unique occasion and give the London-based visitors a welcome financial boost.
“Saturday is the start of a new season and our Challenge Cup journey, which hopefully will end with a trip to Wembley in June,” Hetherington said.
“Being drawn against Wests Warriors is a new experience for us – the last time we played amateur opposition was Kells in 1988, so this is going to be a big experience for the team from London and I am hoping all Rhinos fans will turn out.
“Tickets have been priced accordingly and we want to have a good atmosphere for the start of a new season and what will be Brad Arthur’s first Challenge Cup tie.
“Wests will receive 50 per cent of the net gate and obviously that contribution will be significant for them as an amateur club.”
