Wednesday 7 October 2015 16:37, UK
Sam Tomkins believes the retiring Leeds trio of Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield and Kylie Leuluai will provide additional motivation for the Rhinos in Saturday's Grand Final against Wigan on Saturday.
The three key players will feature for the last time for Leeds at Old Trafford as Brian McDermott's side seek to complete the treble after winning the Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield already this season.
England international Tomkins, who will be back with his boyhood club Wigan next season, took up a role as a Sky Sports News HQ reporter on Wednesday and interviewed Warriors coach Shaun Wane ahead of the game.
Wane is not too concerned by the Peacock-Sinfield-Leuluai factor, but Tomkins expects it to play a big part in the Rhinos' preparations.
Tomkins told Sky Sports News HQ: "Shaun basically said they have mentioned it but they are not focusing on it. Shaun is firmly focused on winning this game and Wigan taking that trophy.
"I do think Leeds will use that as inspiration quite a lot more - the guys that are retiring for them, they are not just any old three players. You have got Jamie Peacock, the most decorated man in rugby league; you've got Kevin Sinfield, no one has scored more points than him; and Kylie Leuluai, arguably the best prop forward import in Super League.
"So these three guys are going to play a massive part in the game. Not only are they fans' favourites, but I know personally playing with Kev and JP, they are the kind of guys that people want to play with.
"So the Leeds guys will want nothing more than to send them out on a high. Although Shaun Wane is not using it as inspiration or motivation for the Wigan side, I'm sure Leeds will."
Tomkins also interviewed a number of Wigan fans as part of his reporting duties and he captured the strength of the feeling in the town of the desire to overcome the disappointment of the 14-6 defeat to St Helens in last year's Grand Final.
He said: "It means everything to the fans. I'm a Wigan lad, I live here and I know exactly how passionate fans are.
"Rugby league is a religion round here and last year - not only to lose a Grand Final but to lose it to St Helens, the biggest rivalry in Super League was massive.
"The fans are still complaining about the last Grand Final so they are certainly hoping to turn it right on Saturday."
Watch the Grand Final live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5pm on Saturday October 10, or watch without a contract on NOW TV
