They are used to topping the Engage Super League table but champions Leeds Rhinos are hoping to go straight to the top of the charts by recording an inspiring single for the charity, The Sick Children’s Trust.

Five days after they began their defence of the title with a win at Crusaders RL, the 25-strong Rhinos first team squad will be joined by 40 members of a gospel choir tomorrow (Wednesday February 3) to record a rendition of the Heather Small song ‘Proud’ at the New Testament Church of God in Leeds.

Proceeds from the single will go towards The Sick Children’s Trust Big Move Appeal which aims to raise £1.7 million to fund the relocation of Eckersley House to the Leeds General Infirmary by May 2010.

Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield said: “The Rhinos are really committed to our local community and we wanted to do something unique to help The Sick Children’s Trust and getting the team to sing at the top of their lungs seemed a good place to start.

“We have a post match sing after every win which is pretty raucous but the lads have been great in rehearsals, it’s pretty inspiring.

“Proud  is such an emotionally charged song, the title says it all – ‘What have done today to make you feel proud?’ As a team it’s immensely satisfying to help such a worthwhile cause and the Big Move Appeal really needs our help now more than ever.”

The SCT has already raised over £1 million and it is hoped that the efforts of the current Engage Super League champions will edge them closer to that target.

Leeds Rhinos’ version of ‘Proud’ will go on sale on Sunday February 28 which coincides with the Gillette World Club Challenge where the Rhinos will meet NRL champions Melbourne Storm in a repeat of the 2008 fixture in which the Rhinos won 11-4.

CDs are available for just £5 and can be purchased at www.sickchildrenstrust.org or by ringing Vicki Smith on 07525424406.