New Leeds Rhinos signing Kyle Amor says that his thoughts are with the people of Cumbria after the recent floods left hundreds homeless or without basic utilities.

Amor, 22, began pre-season with the engage Super League Champions on Wednesday after moving to Headingley Carnegie from Whitehaven in the close season but he admits that amid the excitement about his new life as a professional rugby league player he has been thinking about those affected by the floods.

"It is a tragedy and you can not help but feel sorry for the people who have been caught up in it. Fortunately, where I am from has not been affected but for the people of Cockermouth in particular it has been devastating. It is a lovely part of the world and I hope everyone can get back on the feet as soon as possible," added Amor.

Prior to joining the Rhinos, Amor had juggled a career as a printer with his rugby commitments but he admits, despite the hard work ahead in pre-season, that he is elated to be finally able to focus on his rugby.

"It did seem a bit strange this morning getting up and realising that this is what I do for a job now. It certainly beats getting up at 5am and going to do a 12 hour shift at the factory. The Rhinos players have been really good in making me feel part of the group and hopefully I can show them what I can do in pre-season."

The first date on the horizon for Amor is the Cravendale Festive Challenge against Wakefield on Boxing Day at Headingley Carnegie when he could make his first appearance in a Leeds shirt. The Rhinos will then travel to Cumbria a week before the season starts to play Amor's former club, Whitehaven in a pre-season friendly.

Amor hopes he will be in contention for both games. "I am looking forward to Boxing Day, hopefully Brian McClennan will be impressed with me in training and I could get a run out against Wakefield. I am already looking forward to going back to Whitehaven. They were very good to me during my time there and it would be nice to go back there with Leeds, especially because there is so much interest in the Rhinos up in Cumbria," added Amor.