Rhinos are on a five-game winning streak, while visitors Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have won their last six, the best current run in the professional game.

Both have been badly hit by injuries this term – though they are beginning to get players back – and McClennan said the way they have coped with adversity is a tribute to both sets of players.

"I think their coach John Kear has a positive attitude with the team.

"They move on. Both teams have had injuries and they have handled it well. It is the way you think."

Rhinos romped to a 44-8 victory when the sides met at Belle Vue three months ago – after leading 38-0 at half-time – but McClennan is expecting a much closer contest tonight.

"Wakefield are going well," he said. "I think they are doing a great job and they are in a rich vein of form. They are having a top season and they are full of confidence.

"We are mindful and respectful of the fact that Wakefield have moved on and progressed since we last played them.

"They are doing a terrific job."

The rival sides have had just four full days to prepare for today.

Wildcats cruised to a 58-6 win at Barrow in the Challenge Cup last Sunday, while Leeds were being "battered" at Harlequins.

"They have come off the back of a bit of an easier Challenge Cup tie than we had and they should be a bit fresher than us," admitted McClennan.

"We were all a bit battered and bruised after Sunday. We probably used more gas in that game than any other, apart from Melbourne Storm.

"Harlequins were very good, they battered us from pillar to post and we spent a lot of energy in that game. That was credit to Harlequins. Whether that has an effect tonight, we'll know more at about 9.30."

Ali Lauitiiti and Ryan Bailey are back in contention for Leeds after injury. Brent Webb returns following Test duty for New Zealand and Lee Smith – left out for the past two games – is also included in Rhinos' initial 19.

Teenagers Ben Jones-Bishop, Kallum Watkins and Danny Allan all drop out of last weekend's 17.