Wentzel joined Leeds from Leicester

Leeds Carnegie captain Marco Wentzel is confident he will be fit to lead his new-look team at the start of the new Premiership season.

The South African lock is five weeks into his recovery following minor shoulder surgery last month.

Wentzel told BBC Radio Leeds: "I'm flying, a bit ahead of schedule.

"All things being well the plan is to get me back for the second to last, or last, pre-season game and then be ready for Bath at home."

Wentzel explained: "I've had this problem for three years. I did it with Leicester a week before the Premiership season started and had to play with it.

"I never had time to sort the problem out because I was playing so many games for with my club, or going back to South Africa to play in the summer.

"I'm glad I've finally got it done, and now I'm being worked hard by the fitness guys and doing a lot of work in the gym."

After securing their Premiership status last season, Leeds have recruited 11 new players as they aim to become a major force in the game.

Wentzel said: "I'm very positive about the year ahead. It's not just about the quality of new players we've brought in, it's about the players that were already here, because they have now developed into quality Premiership players.

"There is a big difference in the squad now from 12 months ago. We get the guy on the pitch now and it's done, whereas before it would take four months to put something in place. It's a big change and a positive one. It's exciting."

Lock forward Wentzel will have to get used to working with a new regular second row partner, following the departure of Erik Lund, and the arrival of a new hooker in Steve Thompson.

"It is a bit of a change as there are a few guys going for that place for next season," said Wentzel.

"It's not too bad though as it's more about getting the right structures in place for whoever plays in the second row.

"We have three excellent hookers at the club here too, and that makes things easier as they are so good.

"The forwards did great last season, especially in the line-out, but that was last season and means nothing now.

"We have to start again, work really hard, and make sure we are even stronger in that area next season."

Wentzel was speaking at a joint Leeds Carnegie and North East Fundraising Team for the Guide Dogs for the Blind event at Headingley Stadium, as part of a series of schemes the club have carried out with local charities.

The project has seen Leeds players spend time every week working with local charities, such as MENCAP, or visiting local schools and hospitals.

Wentzel said: "I think it's very important we as players and as a club give something back to the community.

"It's a two way thing, because as players we are learning to appreciate things much more, and it inspires us.

"Then hopefully we can help these organisations by highlighting the great work they do and the funding they need to keep going."

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