McClennan staying grounded

Rhinos coach asks players to stay focused after Reds win

Last updated: 12th September 2009

McClennan staying grounded

McClennan: Staying focused

Related links

Teams

Also see

Leeds coach Brian McClennan was pleased to have rounded off the regular season with a 30-24 victory over Salford, clinching the League Leader's Shield in the process.

However, McClennan will be urging his players to remain grounded after picking up the Shield for the last three years, with another tough post-season campaign ahead.

"We're happy enough with what we have seen and but got seven days now and then we're into a new season," he said.

"The finals series is a total different ball game and it will all step up in intensity.

"Now we're going into the finals series we're really going to have to tighten right up to make sure we're spot on.

Reds respect

"It's a good feeling. It's been two long rounds and we got the job done despite coming up against a side I thought performed well and tried really hard.

"There's a lot of respect there, they beat us at Headingley and they had a crack at us tonight. We had to work really hard and that's good preparation for the finals.

"But it's nice to pick up the award and having won the last match made it even better."

Salford coach Shaun McRae was left to reflect on what might have been.

"It's game number 10 where we've lost by eight points or less so it kind of reflects our season," he said.

"We've had opportunities but haven't been patient enough to maximise those or to seize the game.

"I thought tonight 12-12 at half-time was a fair scoreline but in the second half we lost it in the first 20 minutes. We turned over far too much ball and spent too long defending our line."

Grand Final 2009 Win Outright: Leeds Evens