Rhinos begin their title defence at home to Crusaders – last year's Co-op National One runners-up – on Friday, February 6.

It will be the Welsh outfit's first game as a top-flight club and McClennan isn't expecting an easy ride.

"History says that new clubs who come into the competition are full of energy and very excited about the opportunity," he said.

"They always give it a really good crack – it is probably the toughest time of year to play a new club in the competition."

Rhinos also play host to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and visit Hull KR in their three league games before the Carnegie World Club Challenge showdown with Manly Sea Eagles at Elland Road on March 1.

McClennan said: "Pick any three Super League clubs and that would be a solid build-up to the World Club Challenge.

"The focus has got to be on how we perform and what we do in those games and what we can take out of them to give us some confidence going into the Manly game."

Crusaders coach John Dixon said: "Playing the 2008 engage Super League champions in our first fixture provides us with the best possible introduction to playing at the elite level. We look forward to the game."

Wildcats kick-off with a trip to Wigan Warriors on February 8 – a game brought forward from round 17 in June.

Wildcats had been expecting to start away to Leeds a week later and coach John Kear admitted the change has caused problems.

"We had planned and prepared our season to begin on the weekend of February 13/14/15," said Kear.

"We had planned for a two-week gap between our final trial, against Doncaster, and playing the opening league game.

"We'll fulfil the fixture against Doncaster, but it will be with a predominantly part-time team now.

"It has put us under a bit of pressure to get to where we want to be." Wakefield couldn't face a much tougher start, with back-to-back trips to Wigan and Leeds.

"Nobody will expect us to pick up any points from those," added Kear.