Andy Ackers reveals new early morning regime after moving to Leeds Rhinos

ANDY Ackers gives any potential issues after moving to Leeds the cold shoulder – and the cold head, legs, back and body!

There was also no chance of over-celebrating his 30^th birthday yesterday as he gets ready to make his debut for his new club.

Andy Ackers has a new routine after swapping Salford, where he played his way into the England set-up, for LeedsSWPIX.COM

The now former England hooker swapped Salford for the Rhinos, along with Brodie Croft.

Sharing journeys across the Pennines with the Australian half back, who also lives near his now former base, may be driving him nuts.

But his routine makes sure the traffic on the M62 is not the cause.

“We meet every day at 6.30am, so I’m up at 6am and straight into a cold shower,” Ackers revealed. “After that, I’m wide awake and ready for the day.

“Then it’s straight on to the M62 after meeting Brodie. The traffic’s not too bad in the morning. I’m on the early bird, so I miss most of it!

“And having Brodie move with me was a massive factor in my decision. We’ve played alongside each other and been quite successful, so having him with me again is great.

“Apart from the fact he’s seemingly addicted to peanut butter sandwiches. He even had one first thing in the morning!”

Ackers – who describes his switch as ‘more convenient at the time’ – had good reason to ask for today off as he reached his landmark birthday on Christmas Day but there was no chance of him missing the trial game with Wakefield.

He wants to experience life in a Rhinos shirt at Headingley as soon as possible as three more of boss Rohan Smith’s signings – Lachlan Miller, Matt Frawley and Mickael Goudemand – will also make their debut.

And his new surroundings may see him live up to his new billing as he added: “It’s pretty special playing for such a prestigious club with a lot of history. It’s one I’m proud to play for.

Ackers is joined at Leeds by former Salford team-mate Brodie CroftMATTHEW MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

“And Rohan’s great. Speaking to him was one of the factors behind the move and he’s quite similar to Paul Rowley at Salford in how he sees the game.

“Also, how he wants to play expansively. I’ll also learn new roles under Rohan. There are many professional people around the club – if I can add anything to that, it would be a privilege.

“I’m 30-years-old now and I’m progressing into being a leader – I want to progress myself even more though. It’s a young squad at Leeds and if I can add any experience and lead by my actions, that will be fantastic.

Ackers will make his Leeds debut today, a day after his 30th birthdayMATTHEW MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

“I’ve never played on Boxing Day before and it’s something I’m looking forward to. It’s an early start too, so I can have the rest of the day with my family. I want to pull on a Leeds Rhinos jersey, though.”

Ackers’ move has meant he has had to put his other day job – as a barber in the Farnworth area of Bolton – on hold until he works out when he can fit it in.

And despite friends’ quips, there is one certainty.

He told SunSport: “I’m never going to be a Yorkshireman. I’ll always be a Lancastrian!”