Reflecting on Rhinos' Grand Final triumph over St Helens – which saw them retain the title for the first time – McClennan believes Leeds are worthy champions for this year's efforts on and off the field.

Rhinos capped a memorable year with one of their finest performances, overturning the odds to stun the red-hot favourites and league leaders 24-16 in front of a 68,000 crowd.

"I just feel so happy for everybody involved in the team, the players, the coaching staff," said McClennan, who took over the helm following the Old Trafford victory over Saints 12 months ago.

"I have said this to the squad, good things happen to good people. I really believe that and I thought it worked out okay for us. The reason we are so overjoyed is because St Helens are a terrific club and a terrific team.

"They had a great cause to play in Saturday's game. We knew we were up for the biggest challenge, but we rose to it and we managed to get through it and win the game."

McClennan rewrote the history books three years ago when he steered New Zealand to Tri-Nations victory over Australia – the Kiwis winning 24-0 in a sensational final at Elland Road – but he was not prepared to say which experience was best.

"I never compare," he said. "I don't like comparing players from eras or Grand Finals to Grand Finals, every one has its own beauty.

"This one had its beauty in the tenacity of the war of attrition that was happening between the two teams.

"It was rugged out there and there's beauty in that. I loved it, I thought the way they were tearing into each other was great stuff and I thought it was a very good final in the conditions."

Leeds' season was two campaigns in one, building up to and peaking for February's Carnegie World Club Challenge triumph over Melbourne Storm – five games in – and then repeating the process at the end of the year, for the Grand Final.

"We understand we are the first club in Super League to do that and we are very proud of that," said McClennan. "It has been a lot of effort, by everyone involved. Our conditioner Jason Davidson, our physiotherapist Meirion Jones, our coaching staff Francis Cummins and Willie Poching, Alex Gross our analyst – all contributed.

"But the most important people, always, are the players. The players were outstanding. We went through a tough period in the middle of the season, but we all knew and understood the reasons why.

"Most of those tough games, we had to travel away. I just hope we are fortunate to get a little bit better draw before we play semi-finals or quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, so we are not travelling all over the place.

It takes it out of you."

The majority of Rhinos' 2007 and 2008 Grand Final-winning players will still be at the club next season but – unlike 12 months ago – changes are being made.

Gareth Ellis and Nick Scruton are both leaving the club, along with Jordan Tansey and Ben Kaye, who have played first team rugby this year but were not involved at Old Trafford.

McClennan was keen to pay tribute to all his squad for their efforts over the past eight months – and particularly star full-back Brent Webb, who suffered a back injury in training a couple of days before the game and was too ill to even travel to Old Trafford.

"The lads that couldn't get to play were there on Saturday," said McClennan. "We have confidence in every one of them to get out there.

"There was a great scene after the game when Keith Senior was speaking on the phone to Brent and the whole team sang 'Brent Webb is Superman' to him.

"It is the hardest thing in the world for a player to miss out on an opportunity like that, but we all wanted to acknowledge that the only reason we got there was because of his contribution.

"I think that's the harmony we've got.

"Lee Smith had to step into some really big boots and he did a great job, but we were all hurting for Webby, because during the game on Saturday night he was laying on his back at home crook as a dog and the best thing we could do for him was get a good, positive result to put a smile on his face.

"He was really happy for everyone. It was a huge team effort and the 17 who played on Saturday are the fortunate ones, they got to put the icing on the cake of what has been a pretty good year by us."

Of the players who are leaving, McClennan added: "It was a good way to go out and that meant a huge amount to us.

"It is a big bit of history for us, to be part of the first Rhinos side to win it back-to-back and the first club to win a World Club Challenge and a Premiership in the same year.

"For Gaz and Scroots and Jordan Tansey and young Benny Kaye and Danny Williams during the year, we have had a huge number of people contribute to get us to that position.

"We wanted to get to a stage – and we have – where if you look back in 10 or 15 or 20 years, you can say 'man, 2008 was a blast, wasn't it'. And it was."