Stevo is expecting a big Leeds performance when they travel to table-topping Wigan on Friday night.
Form goes out the window as league leaders meet champions
We may only be seven games into the season but already this is a huge game for Leeds. After two defeats on the spin they need to get their faltering season back on track, although that won't be easy against table-toppers Wigan.
There are almost 15,000 tickets already sold for Friday night's game so there will be fantastic atmosphere for this clash between the league leaders and the reigning champions. And while Wigan may have won six of their seven Super League games, they won't be expecting out-of-sorts Leeds to arrive and fold over like a pack of cards.
Wigan are in superb form at the moment, particularly Amos Roberts who bagged a hat trick of tries in the win over Castleford. He's currently joint-top of the try-scoring charts with teammate Pat Richards. Wigan's two wingers have already scored 20 tries between them this season, which is a fantastic return. It gives you an indication that their new coach, Michael McGuire is doing something right. He has them super fit.
Troubled
Roberts had a very up and down season last year; he looked a little bit troubled. He didn't seem to be enjoying playing rugby league, and our game is so tough you got to make sure you're enjoying it. Well he's certainly enjoying himself now, which for me is the key difference between this year and last.
The Rhinos are in a real slump, it's as simple as that, and they've got to start looking towards their more experienced players. Rob Burrow didn't have a great season last year but he's starting to get back to his best. He has a good kicking game, both short and long, but when it comes to his ability in taking on the defence maybe he should start asking a few more questions.
Adrift
Leeds really need to get their act together. Granted they've had a few injuries but so have other clubs. If they lose again they will find themselves eight points adrift of Wigan, and that's a lot to make up, even though we're still at an early stage in the season.
Coach Brian McClennan has five players back for the tricky trip to the DW Stadium, including key player Kevin Sinfield. They are minus Jamie Peacock are he sprained ligaments in his foot during the defeat to Hull KR, but the good new is that he doesn't require surgery.
For a team who have won the last three Grand Finals the Rhinos have got to front up, and I think they will.
Star Man
Amos Roberts is scoring tries for fun at the moment but he isn't just a player that can finish. He's very creative, has a high assist rate, but give him half a chance and he'll score. I love watching himself and Richards; they've been in superb form this year.
Stevo says
Wigan have to be favourites. They're top of the clear, two points clear and are riding high. But Brian McClennan is a very astute coach and Leeds play at their best when they've the backs to the wall. This could be a cracker.
