Published Date:
10 October 2009
By Peter Smith
History beckons for Leeds Rhinos. Coach Brian McClennan's team will be confirmed as the best of the Super League era if they beat St Helens to win an unprecedented third successive Grand Final at Old Trafford tonight.
Rhinos will go into the championship game as odds-on favourites to add the engage Super League trophy to their league leaders' shield and according to McClennan, preparations have gone exactly to plan.
"We're very happy," said the coach. "We have enjoyed the week, it is always a special week before the Grand Final, we are pleased with how we've trained and we are looking forward to the challenge."
Rhinos are close to full-strength, with only Danny Buderus definitely ruled out.
"The players have done a magnificent job throughout the year, looking after themselves," McClennan said.
"The medical staff have done a really good job and for us to get to this stage of the year and to be able to name the same 19 for two weeks running is a credit to them."
Rhinos are 8/15 favourites to repeat their Grand Final wins of 2007 and 2008, with Saints priced at 11/8.
Leeds' leading try scorer Ryan Hall is 10/1 favourite to score the opening touchdown, with Brent Webb, Scott Donald and Saints' Ade Gardner all 12/1.
Rhinos scrum-half Rob Burrow and St Helens counterpart Sean Long are joint favourites to win the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match.
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Last Updated:
09 October 2009 10:44 PM
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Source:
EP Leeds First & County
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Location:
Leeds