RYAN Sidebottom says rugby league neighbours Leeds Rhinos are influencing Yorkshire’s drive for continued success.

The White Rose county are targeting three successive County Championship titles in 2016, and will match Brian Close’s great team of the sixties if they get there.

Sidebottom and a number of the Yorkshire squad are big rugby league fans, with the Rhinos, who share their Headingley home, last year becoming only the third side in the Super League era to win three trophies in a season.

The veteran left-arm seamer, currently in the UAE playing in the Masters Champions League Twenty20 competition, said: “It’s a big season for us.

“It’s nice being back-to-back champions, and we’ve talked about making that legacy for ourselves similar to what the Rhinos have done.

“If we win three in a row, we become legends of Yorkshire. It was last done in the sixties, and that’s driving the lads on.

“Last year has gone now. We’ve celebrated well, but that means nothing if we don’t do well this season.

“We’ve had one or two meetings with them (the Rhinos), and why wouldn’t you tap into that resource with them being just next door.

“For them to win a treble in a year is amazing, and they will be remembered in history. That’s what we want to do. There’s no reason why not.

“We know some of the players at the Rhinos, and just seeing the way they go about things is inspiring. We speak to some of their lads and watch them regularly.

“Especially when they’re next door, it makes you hungry. You want to achieve the same as them.

“Another thing…I’m not part of the one-day set up now, but succeeding in that side of the game is something that also drives the lads.

“We’ve really underachieved in the last three or four years with the players we have.

“But under Alex Lees, a new young captain, the guys are chomping at the bit to do well and turn it around. Although the Championship is the pinnacle, you want to be regarded as a good all-round team.”

Sidebottom is preparing for his 19th year in county cricket, with a sixth Championship title in his sights.

But the 38-year-old is expecting a tough battle to hold onto their crown.

He added: “I think teams will be ready for us. I think we may come across a few more flatter wickets, ones that teams perceive don’t suit us. We’re just going to have to combat that.

“But we’re confident, and why shouldn’t we be? We’re champions for a reason. If we play like we can, I don’t think anyone can touch us.”