Rhinos finished a point adrift of St Helens, despite last night's 30-12 win at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats – whose coach John Kear hailed his team for the way they finished their campaign.

Saints secured the league leaders' shield with a 16-16 draw against Wigan Warriors and will have home advantage against Leeds in the qualifying semi-final in 13 days' time.

McClennan said: "Their (Saints') form has been outstanding. They have been very consistent.

"We jumped out of the blocks well and we're glad we did because we were able to represent Super League well and win the World Club Challenge.

"That was important not only for our club, but also for the game here.

"But when we dipped, they kicked into gear. They started off a bit slow, but they have been the consistent team and well done to Saints. We look forward to going to Knowsley Road and playing them in the semi-final."

Rhinos had to dig deep to record their third win of the season over Wakefield, who led twice in the first half but failed to score after the break.

"It was a tough game," McClennan admitted. "Wakefield came out with great enthusiasm and their kicking game was as good as I've seen from any team.

"They really tested us. They got a lot of ball and it ended up being a good hit out for us, because we really had to go to the wire.

"All in all, I am really pleased and it was pleasing that they didn't score in the second half. We had to drop kick out a few times and still managed to hold our line.

"That's a good effort, because Wakefield have had a good season and any team knows when you play Wakefield they have got so many tricks up their sleeve. They do test you, so we are proud to have held them out in the second half."

McClennan rated Gareth Ellis' defensive performance as the best he has seen from a back-rower this year and he also hailed two-try forward Ali Lauitiiti.

Rhinos full-back Brent Webb is facing an anxious wait after being placed on report for an alleged high tackle on Danny Brough.

But McClennan is confident he will be available for Leeds' play-off campaign.

Said the coach: "It wasn't too far away from me. I can understand when the crowd roars you are going to put things on report, but I think we will be okay with that."

Kear felt Wildcats could be proud of the way they finished the season.

"I am disappointed with the result," said the Wakefield boss, "but I'm absolutely delighted and proud of the effort and the execution as well. I thought we played really well.

"It's just unfortunate that for the third time this year we have come up against a Leeds team hitting a seam of form.

"We will pat ourselves on the back and say we've played some good rugby, but they played really well as well.

"It's satisfying that it has been a good, competitive game."

Reflecting on the season, Kear added: "I'll look back with great satisfaction.

"We've been in with a shout of the top-six because of an excellent first two-thirds and we reached the semi-final of the Challenge Cup.

"In two years we've gone from perennial relegation strugglers to challengers for the top-six and this year for the Challenge Cup final.

"We can feel very happy about it. There's lots of positives we can take into next year and also some mistakes we need to rectify, so we improve again.

"I feel we have improved this year from last year."

Meanwhile, Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Rhinos' 19-year-old reserve grade hooker Ben Kaye and Wildcats' former Leeds Academy back-rower Jason Golden, 22.

Kaye has made two starts and three substitute appearances for Rhinos, all this season. Golden joined Wildcats last year and has played 30 first team games.

Rhinos reserves take on Huddersfield Giants in an elimination play-off at Headingley tomorrow (2pm).