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David Craven

Ash Handley says Leeds Rhinos won't use extreme weather as an excuse as they take on 'dangerous' Toulouse

The only heat Ash Handley's concerned with is the one Leeds Rhinos intend to turn up on their play-offs push.

They face bottom-placed Toulouse on Saturday with kick-off put back two hours due to fears over soaring temperatures in the south of France.

It could top 40 degrees at the Stade Ernest-Wallon but prolific winger Handley says Leeds won't let it frazzle them.

Read More: Super League's relegation run-in analysed as Toulouse Olympique face critical five-game run

He said: "It is crazy. The heat's been pretty mad here so I can only imagine what it's going to be like over there. But we're looking forward to it.

"I played in Papua New Guinea with England Knights. I can't even remember how hot that was. I don't think it plays too much on your mind. Yes, it's hot but when you're playing it doesn't really make a difference.

"I know I'm just going to crack on."

Leeds are three points behind the top-six but hope to secure a third successive win for the first time this season. But Toulouse are buoyed by their crucial Magic Weekend comeback against relegation rivals Wakefield, having also seen off Hull KR.

Handley said: "We're expecting the unexpected from Toulouse.

"They're an unorthodox team. They are playing with confidence and they'll throw it about a lot and will be hard to beat.

"But we got a great win against Cas at Magic and we're looking to build on that now. Rohan (Smith) touched on the heat at the start of the week and told us it's going to be 40 degrees but we've just prepped as normal and trained in hot weather. Now we just want to get over there and get the job done."

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