Stand-off Danny McGuire said Rhinos' players "can't wait" to get stuck into their Old Trafford showdown with St Helens, despite going into the game as massive underdogs.

Saints are red-hot 1/3 favourites with some bookmakers following their 38-10 thrashing of Rhinos in the qualifying semi-final two weeks ago, but McGuire feels the scene could be set for a shock.

"The mood's good," said McGuire. "Everybody's upbeat and confident. We are looking forward to it. That's the big thing, if you can't get yourself up for a game like this as a player, there's something wrong with you.

"We are confident after how things went last Friday (in the final eliminator against Wigan). We got back to how we've played all year.

"Our defence was really solid and we looked pretty threatening with the ball as well.

"You need to be like that against Saints. Your defence needs to be solid and you need to threaten them in attack, because if you don't they will put points on you. They are a great side.

"The boys are really buzzing. We've had some good training sessions and we just can't wait to get out there."

McGuire reckons the heavy defeat a fortnight ago could work in Rhinos' favour tomorrow.

"We were disappointed," he admitted. "We thought we'd go there and put in a really good effort.

"We were probably a little under-done when we went there. We hadn't played much rugby and we had a few players coming back from injury who hadn't played much game time.

"That's no excuse and not the reason why we lost – we lost to the better team on the day – but I think the hit-out last Friday will be really good for us.

"It wasn't far off Grand Final intensity and pace. Obviously Saints have had the week off and sometimes that's not the best thing for you as a team, though they have had a long season, so it might work out really good for them in the long-run.

"I just think it's going to be a great game, the two best teams in the competition going head-to-head, so it's down to whoever plays well on the day.

"It's the big stage and that's usually when the big players come out and play. There's international players all over the park and some people are going to come up with some special plays.

"Hopefully, the Leeds boys will put more on than the St Helens lads and we can get a victory."

Saints have beaten Leeds three times this season, but McGuire is adamant Leeds have what it takes to buck the trend in the game that really matters.

"We had a good win over there early in the season," he pointed out. "Most of the games have been pretty close, apart from one the other week.

"There's not much in it. They are a good side, but so are we. We didn't doubt ourselves too much after we lost that semi, you don't become a bad side overnight.

"We stayed confident, we believed we could still get to the final and we believe we have got a performance in us on Saturday to win the trophy.

"As a player you've got to go out there confident and believe you can win, otherwise there's no point turning up. You might as well stay at home.

"All the lads are confident and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be."

Coach Brian McClennan will select from the 17 who beat Wigan, plus Luke Burgess and Ryan Hall.

Saints boss Daniel Anderson has added Jason Cayless and Kyle Eastmond to the team which overwhelmed Rhinos two weeks ago.

****

IF they win tomorrow, Rhinos will parade the trophy at Headingley Carnegie on Sunday.

Gates will open at 1.30pm, with on-pitch entertainment from 1.45.
The North and Carnegie Stands will be open – with parking in car park F – and admission will be free.