Thursday 29th July 10

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan takes his side into tomorrow night’s crunch game with Wigan Warriors acknowledging the visitors have been the best side in the Engage Super League this season.

The three–time Super League champions welcome Wigan to Headingley Carnegie knowing that defeat would not only hamper their own chances of finishing in the top four, but also allow the Warriors to put one hand on the league leader’s shield.

Leeds wrestled fourth spot back from Hull FC with a win at Salford City Reds last weekend, but need another two points against the Cherry and Whites to keep the Humberside club at arms length.

And although Wigan present the toughest possible challenge, McClennan believes his players are ready to produce a stellar performance.

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.”

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 position yourself 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.”

England scrum–half Rob Burrow comes back into McClennan’s side after making just one appearance in three months with a knee injury, while there are recalls for Jamie Peacock and Keith Senior who were rested at Salford.

Wigan are without prop Paul Prescott who has a facial injury, and will again be coached by Shaun Wane.

Head coach Michael Maguire has remained in Australia following the death of his father this week, and although Wane is disappointed with the circumstances under which he has taken control, he is more than enjoying the responsibility.

Speaking on Wigan’s official website, he said: “It’s a sad time. I’ve spoken to Michael a couple of times but he’s got other commitments.

“As much as he wants to be with the players, it was the right thing for him to do to go home and I’m glad he did as he got home in time for his dad’s passing.

“I'm loving it (being in charge). It’s great being with the players every day and to be fair to Michael he has given me a free reign to do what I want at training and with selection.

“I've kept him informed but I've enjoyed being with this group of players. They're a tough group that work hard and demand a lot of each other.”