Rhinos relishing Wigan test

Pretenders to the crown visit Headingley on Friday night

Last updated: 29th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rhinos relishing Wigan test

McClennan: big night

This week there has been a sparkle in the eyes of the players because we are playing against the form team in the competition. Wigan will come here full of confidence and bring their best game with them and that is a challenge that excites us.

Brian McClennan
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Leeds v Wigan
Friday, 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports HD1

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Leeds' players are excited by the prospect of hosting Super League leaders Wigan, according to Rhinos coach Brian McClennan.

The Warriors are four points clear at the top of the table and closing in on the 'minor premiership', while champions Leeds are in danger of failing to finish in the top four.

The Rhinos wrestled fourth place back from Hull with a win at Salford last weekend, but need another two points against the Cherry and Whites to keep the Humberside club at arms length.

McClennan admits the league table does not, lie but is hoping for a champion display from his side at Headingley.

He said: "Wigan have been the form team this season in Super League and deservedly sit at the top of the table.

"This week there has been a sparkle in the eyes of the players because we are playing against the form team in the competition.

"Wigan will come here full of confidence and bring their best game with them and that is a challenge that excites us."

Extra life

Finishing in the top four gives you an extra life in the play-offs - with Wigan's 46-0 at Hull last weekend giving Leeds the opportunity to leapfrog Richard Agar's men into the last of those spots.

And having successfully guided Leeds through the last two play-off campaigns - and to their last two titles - McClennan is well aware of how vital it is to finish in the top half of the top eight.

He added: "Victory last week against Salford took us into the top four once again. Being in the top half of the eight is beneficial when it comes to the play-offs.

"If you are in the top four then you are in the probables for the Grand Final, if you are in the bottom half that puts you amongst the possibles.

"We have advanced in recent weeks but we also know that we have some tough games to come in the final rounds of the competition, starting against Wigan, and we know we need to produce our best every single week from now on.

"We will need to have good cohesion and communication as well as making sure that we execute well on the night."