IT'S HOME sweet home for Lancashire Lynx this season - much to the relief of coach Kevin Tamati.

Lynx faced a likely return to Chorley when Preston North End planned to replace the pitch at Deepdale this summer.

But the football club has opted for less comprehensive repairs which means Lynx will be able to play their Second Division games at the ground this summer.

"It's superb news," confirmed Tamati. "It gives us the opportunity not only to consolidate as a team but also within the community.

"If we had to go back to Chorley or wherever it would have been difficult for people to support us all over the place."

Lynx have been left disappointed, however, by the Leeds Rhinos decision to call off their scheduled pre-season friendly at Deepdale a week today.

The game was to be staged after Preston's game against York City with a 5.30pm kick-off but Leeds feel they have enough games that week.

Lynx are therefore struggling to fit in another game before they kick-off their season against Oldham on Good Friday as they don't want to face another Second Division side and the First Division has already started.

But Tamati is pleased with the way training is going and has booked his players into Fulwood Barracks this weekend as the next stage of their preparation.

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