
Key man Andy Ackers has identified the crucial ingredient he reckons will ensure a better campaign for Leeds Rhinos this year.
The former Salford Red Devils man is entering his second season at Leeds and tipped the Rhinos to get back among Betfred Super League’s leading lights after successive eighth-placed finishes.
Rhinos have a new-look squad under coach Brad Arthur, who joined them midway through last year, and Ackers insisted “accountability” will be at the heart of everything they do this term.
“I think we’ve recruited well, I’ve got a really good feeling about this year,” Ackers said ahead of Sunday’s Ash Handley testimonial game against Wigan Warriors at AMT Headingley – Leeds Rhinos’ second game of the pre-season.
“Pre-season has been brilliant; it has been really tough, I don’t think there has been any rest days and we have really dug in – blood, sweat and tears.
“That’s what pre-season is for, it’s about getting better and keeping each other accountable. I think that’s what this squad needs, accountability and Brad has certainly brought that in and everyone’s really ripping in for him.
“We have a great fanbase and they deserve more than what the team has produced for the last few years.”
Andy Ackers gives assessment on first Leeds Rhinos’ season

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
On a personal note, Ackers will start the season as Leeds Rhinos’ only fit hooker after Jarrod O’Connor suffered a knee injury in their Christmas clash with Wakefield Trinity.
He is expected to miss the opening two or three rounds, which could mean Ackers being asked to play the full game.
“I’ve done 80 minutes for probably the last five years of my career,” Ackers said. “It was only the start of the 2024 season when I was getting a bit of respite, but I am fit enough and strong enough and I really back my ability.
“It is something I’d like to challenge myself on again. It’s no bother for me, doing 80 minutes – I can do that easily.
“Whatever Brad wants me to do, I’ll do it. I’ll be running my blood to water this year.”
Ackers is keen to show Rhinos’ fans his true self after what he felt was a mixed season in 2024.
“Last year was a bit up and down for myself – not just finding my feet, but there was a bit of adversity along the way, on and off the field,” he reflected.
“It is all a learning curve, I have really settled in at the club now and since Brad has taken over I really feel like my game has gone up a level.
“He has really educated me on a few parts of the game and I am a bit like a sponge, so I take it all in.
“If it makes me one per cent better I am going to do it, so I am grateful to Brad and the squad and players I am lacing my boots up with. I have never been as happy as I am now.
“I’ve got a beautiful wife, beautiful kids and a beautiful house and that happiness off the field really helps when you are on the field. I can’t wait to give my all to this 2025 season, to my teammates and the staff.”
