Matt Diskin

Great Britain and England hooker Matt Diskin is celebrating a Testimonial throughout 2010, granted by the RFL for his loyal and dedicated service to Leeds Rhinos since signing professional forms in December 1999.

A product of Dewsbury Moor amateur club, the world-class hooker made his first team debut in 2001 as an 18-year-old, clocking up a creditable 17 appearances.

Disko has gone on to amass more than 230 appearances for the Rhinos, fast approaching his half century of touchdowns.

His personal achievements during a high profile career feature a Great Britain Test cap, captaincy of England and winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy as Man of the Match in the 2004 Grand Final at Manchester United's Old Trafford, the year in which he was named Rhinos Player of the Year.

A four-man voluntary Testimonial Committee is steering the year-long celebrations. Chairman is Glen Crosthwaite, Managing Director of Leeds-based Network Securities UK, Vice-Chairman being Jon Gale, the company's Executive Director.

Secretary/Treasurer is Andrew Thornton, of Otley-based Tax Assist Accountants. Completing the quartet is John Hill, Managing Director of the famous Frontier Club in Batley and formerly General Manager of Headingley Experience catering operation at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Mr Crosthwaite said: "As a longstanding Rhinos sponsor and supporter, it is obvious that Disko has earned the respect and affection of the massive Rhinos support base.

"His playing ability has peaked with international recognition and individual trophies and he continues to be a highly valuable member of the most successful team in the modern era.

"He showed his mental strength and commitment to the Club by battling back from a knee reconstruction throughout the 2005 season.

"Disko has asked his Committee to plan a varied programme of events at a budget cost to reflect the current economic climate."

There a number of events coming up in Matt Diskin's Testimonial season with prices to match all pockets.
Matt Diskin's forthcoming testimonial events:

RHINOS CORPORATE RUGBY 7s

Companies are being invited to take part in a Matt Diskin Testimonial Corporate 7s tournament, playing on the world famous Headingley Carnegie pitch alongside two Rhinos personalities per team.

The tourney is being played on the afternoon of Monday 19th July, followed by a presentation dinner in the Taverners Club.

Taking part will be Rhinos players Matt Diskin, Rob Burrow, Ryan Hall, Scott Donald, Jamie Jones Buchanan, Danny McGuire, Brent Webb, Kallum Watkins, Jamie Peacock and Danny Buderus.

Plus coaches Brian McClennan, Francis Cummins Willie Poching and Barrie McDermott, and former dual code international John Bentley.

A unique rule is that the combined age of the corporate seven participants has to be not less than 280 years! Playing tops will be provided.

The tournament guarantees three matches per team, with a knockout semi-final and Grand Final.

Entry per team is by donation of £1,250 to Disko@s Testimonial Fund, contacting Leeds Rhinos commercial department on 0113-203-3222 or rob.oates@leedsrugby.com.


Monday 19th August 2010 - Headingley Carnegie Stadium

CONCEPT
• Eight of the region's leading companies compete at touch rugby on the pitch and socialise afterwards with the stars of Leeds Rhinos.

• Each team consists of 9 players, to include 2 Rhinos. The combined age of the corporate 7 to be not less than 280 years!

ITINERARY		GUEST RHINOS
3.00pm	Meet in Taveners' Club Welcome, draw and player allocation	Rob Burrow Ryan Hall Scott Donald Jamie Jones Matt Diskin Brian McClennan Barrie McDermott Francis Cummins	Danny McGuire Brent Webb Kallum Watkins Jamie Peacock Danny Buderus Willie Poching John Bentley Rob Oates
4.00pm	Tournament commences - 3 games per team plus Semi
6.00pm	Grand Final - Shower, rest and recovery
7.00pm	Drinks in the Taverners', followed By Dinner and presentations
9.00pm	Close

Don't forget that if you want to pick up a bargain either of the club's shops at Headingley Carnegie or the St Johns Centre, that Matt Diskin's Testimonial Shirt has now been reduced to clear.

Rhinos fans looking for an ideal Father's Day present are being offered a 50% discount on Matt Diskin's Testimonial jersey.

The attractive Harlequins-style blue, amber and white jersey is on offer up to Father's Day on 20th June at the special price of only £20, down from £42.50.

Disko's jersey is available from the Rhinos clubs shops at Headingley Carnegie Stadium and St John's Centre in the city centre.

Sponsorship branding is from FPS Automotive Parts Distribution, Gateway Homes, Berry's Jewellers, Network Securities and HN Sports.

The Testimonial jersey is sized from XS to 3XL and is priced £42.50, available at the Rhinos club shops at Headingley Carnegie Stadium and the St. John's Centre in Leeds city centre.

You can keep in touch with all the events during Disko's testimonial year on his official website at www.mattdiskin.com where you can follow Matt's latest blog each week during the season. Disko is also on Twitter, log on now at www.twitter.com/mattdiskin