Leeds will be looked after by coaches Willie Poching and John Bastion but McClennan will be an avid spectator as Rhinos field a mixture of experience and youth.

The Rhinos are desperately hoping to win the floodlit competition and have named a strong 13-man squad which includes nine players who have featured in the engage Super League competition this year.

Jordan Tansey, who made his 50th appearance for the Rhinos in their 52-16 win over Wigan on Friday, is included, as is French international Eric Anselme.

The squad is captained by Simon Worrall, while young stars Ben Jones-Bishop, Kallum Watkins, Danny Allan and Ben Kaye will be looking to put on a show for the crowds at the feast of rugby.

Young centre Jodie Broughton returns to the Rhinos camp from a loan spell at Hull FC and immediately joins up with the Carnegie Floodlit Nines squad.

McClennan is relishing the prospect of the tournament and feels the nines game offers players a great chance to showcase their individual talents.

"It's an important tournament and I think it will become a really good tournament," said McClennan."Personally, I love watching nines.

"We'll be putting out what we think is a really good side for nines and we'll have experience mixed with youth.

"Willie Poching and John Bastion will be running that but I'm excited about this competition and I'm looking forward to watching it.

"It's a great concept and it's a good way to check out players' individual skills.

"It's something that I'm really excited about.

"Anyone who has seen the likes of Kallum Watkins and Ben Jones-Bishop in Super League this year knows that our young players have tremendous potential and it will be great to see them compete in a competition format likes this."


Chief executive Gary Hetherington also has no doubts that the Rhinos' squad will be hell bent on being crowned champions.

"The Carnegie Floodlit Nines is a fantastic concept and our aim is to win the title, especially with it being at our home ground," he said.

"It will be a fantastic night of entertainment and I am sure the Leeds fans will be there in numbers to support their team."

The first round sees host club Leeds Metropolitan University take on the British Army (6.10pm start).

The winner of that match will face a daunting encounter against Carnegie Challenge Cup finalists Hull FC in the second round.

The other second round matches see Leeds Rhinos take on Huddersfield Giants in the only all-Super League tie, while Justin Morgan's Hull Kingston Rovers are up against Cumbria.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will play the flamboyant Fiji UK side.

Ticket prices for the event are £10 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by a full paying adult.