New Zealand back-rower Greg Eastwood said players in his
Leeds club have been offered an extra incentive ahead of
Monday's World Club Challenge against Melbourne Storm, as the
club have promised them the winners' pot of stg50,000
($NZ111,000).
Eastwood, the Kiwi who joined the Rhinos last winter, told an
Australian magazine Rugby League Week that Leeds chief
executive Gary Hetherington made the offer in a pre-season
meeting.
"Gary had a chat to the boys and went through the bonuses,
about what the club would give us," Eastwood said. "He said
they would give all the prize money to the players. It's good
money - but we've got to win first."
The bonus would work out at almost $NZ6600 per man.
Eastwood also conceded that the Rhinos' concentration on
regaining the world club title after losing it to Manly last
year may have contributed to a slow start to their Super
League defence, in which they have lost two of their first
four matches.
"Brian McClennan [the Leeds coach], all he's been talking
about since I got here is Melbourne and what we're going to
do against them," added the second-row.
"That's good in a way but on the other hand, maybe it's
possible to focus too much on Melbourne and let our guard
down."
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.