Gary Hetherington says Leeds will enjoy the challenge of trying to stay at the top

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington is optimistic the team can maintain their run of success despite the departure of key personnel.

The Rhinos defeated Castleford 24-6 at Old Trafford on Saturday night, to secure their eighth Grand Final victory.

But they will be without club stalwarts Danny McGuire (leaving for Hull KR) and Rob Burrow (retiring) when they begin their bid for a ninth title in 2018.

However, Hetherington thinks a new group of key players is coming through and they will be bolstered by having a Grand Final success to their names.

Hetherington told Sky Sports News: "On the back of what was a really difficult season for us last year, for this team to win a Grand Final without Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Kylie Leuluai, that is a big thing for that group.

"And of course we are now seeing the next emerging core group of the Rhinos team, that hopefully can be successful for many years to come without now Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow.

"It is a new emerging team, but to have got a Grand Final win under their belt is very significant."

And Hetherington says the Rhinos enjoy trying to stay at the top, as Super League becomes more and more competitive.

Asked if Leeds would find it hard to keep their run of success going, he said: "We have been pretty good at it over the years.

"This has been a golden period for Leeds Rhinos, we have got amazing developments with the stadium, a £40m redevelopment, and the team will continue to evolve and develop, (with) new-look players next year.

"I think Super League itself is getting tougher, more competitive teams every year, so that's the challenge and we are certainly up for it."