McGuire 'shocked' by display

McGuire: Disappointed by display at Knowsley Road

Not many teams have put 30-plus points on us this year which shows they're in really good form and shows how well you need to play. We were nowhere near

Danny McGuire
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Danny McGuire admitted Leeds got what they deserved for a "disgraceful" defensive display against St Helens in the qualifying semi-final.

Saints booked their place in the Grand Final on October 4 with seven tries in a 38-10 victory at Knowlsey Road on Friday night.

The Rhinos did little to help their cause with a string of missed tackles, while they also gave away a plethora of penalties to concede territory.

However, they have a second chance to reach Old Trafford next week and McGuire is hoping for an improved performance in the final eliminator, which will be against either Les Catalans or Wigan.

Disappointed

"We missed so many tackles, it was disgraceful to be honest," said McGuire. "It's something we've got to look at.

"I suppose we've got another chance. That's the only thing that's come out of it. We're really disappointed. We wanted to get through at the first stab but we didn't deserve to.

"We're shocked at how bad we played, how many tackles we missed and how many penalties we gave away to give Saints cheap yards out of their own half.

"You can't do that against Saints. They're too good a team and they will hurt you.

"Not many teams have put 30-plus points on us this year which shows they're in really good form and shows how well you need to play. We were nowhere near."

Although the Rhinos have missed out on the chance of an extra week off before the Grand Final, they are no strangers to doing it the hard way.

Last season they fell at the first attempt to Saints, only to bounce back with a comprehensive win over Wigan before claiming the title in impressive style.

Bouncebackability

"Saints played well and deserved to win but we've got to bounce back," said second-rower Gareth Ellis, who is leaving the club at the end of the season.

"Looking at the positive side, we're in the same position as we were at the start - we're one game off the Grand Final.

"We can't dwell on it or mope around for too long because we've another semi-final now. We'll review the game and get over the disappointment and then start to think about Wigan or Catalans next week.

"We did it the hard way last year and there is no reason we can't do it again this year."

Meanwhile, Leeds are being linked with a move for Sydney Roosters centre Sia Soliola.

The 22-year-old was given his New Zealand debut by current Rhinos coach Brian McClennan and is viewed as a replacement for Clinton Toopi, who was released last month after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

It is believed the Roosters would consider a player-exchange for Soliola, with utility player Jordan Tansey believed to be at the top of their wish list.