Saturday's 24-16 win over St Helens saw McClennan become one of only five coaches to guide Leeds to championship success and he said: "We are very, very proud, because St Helens are such a special club and their form at the back half of the season has been outstanding.

"We knew we had to roll our sleeves up and we did. We are overwhelmed with joy, because it was a huge challenge we faced and we all banded together and we did it.

"I am astounded at times by the toughness of these players. There was a period in the second half when we had to defend and defend our own line and they just kept lining up."

The coach added: "This year has been a blast. It's been about us enjoying each other's company, trying to be better and improve each week.

"We are proud to say we've done that. To win a World Club Challenge at the start and then be able to peak at the end is testament to a lot of people – our conditioners, our physios and most importantly the players themselves.

"It's an outstanding achievement."

Leeds had been crushed 38-10 at Saints in the qualifying semi-final 15 days earlier and skipper Kevin Sinfield said the way they bounced back made it one of his career highlights.

"It's right up there because of what happened two weeks ago, with everybody writing us off," he said.

"There were 17 warriors out there and Bluey (McClennan) can take a lot of credit because two weeks ago there were some lads with their heads on the floor; we were completely shot after the disappointment of what happened at Saints.

"I know that's what he's paid to do, but he has done a great job in turning it around and keeping a very special trophy at Headingley."

Sinfield hailed Lee Smith, who switched to full-back to replace back injury victim Brent Webb and was named man of the match.

"He was outstanding," said the skipper. "He brought the ball back great and he was fantastic under the high ball."

McClennan said: "We are proud of Lee's efforts, he did an outstanding job and so did a lot of other players who are trying to get into the England team.

"Matt Diskin was outstanding defensively again and there's a few unsung heroes in the side.

"You need them to win a premiership. I nearly fell out of my seat when Ryan Hall scored, because I have never seen him kick a ball before, even in training. It was unbelievable, Ryan did a good job, along with 16 others."

Rhinos are now looking ahead to a Carnegie World Club Challenge showdown with Manly, who hammered Melbourne Storm 40-0 in yesterday's NRL Grand Final.