Second-rower Carl Ablett today insisted that the playing staff aren't bothered who stands between them and a third successive Grand Final appearance.

The 44-8 play-off win over Hull KR three days ago earned Rhinos' management the right to choose their opponents for the qualifying semi-final at Headingley Carnegie a week on Friday.

It will be the first time in the sport's history that a team have been able to select their knock-out opponents – with the decision due to be announced live at a media conference next Sunday afternoon.

Coach Brian McClennan and chief executive Gary Hetherington will make the choice, but Ablett revealed that the players are happy to deal with whoever's put in front of them.

said Ablett: "We haven't talked about who we'd pick, we've just been concentrating on last week's game.

"I am sure the coaching staff or whoever will make the right decision, but it's definitely not something we've thought about."

Leeds' victory also means that they will be without a game this weekend and Ablett sees that as a far more significant reward.

"I don't think it'll be a week off," he stressed.

"We won't be getting many days off, we'll be using it as an extra week to prepare for a semi-final to get to a Grand Final.

"That's going to be an intense game, so we need to make sure we're ready and primed and raring to go for that one."

Leeds need the extra preparation time following their performance against Hull KR, according to Ablett. They out-scored Rovers eight tries to one, but he described the display as "bit patchy".

He added: "We didn't play how we wanted to before the game.

"That's something we've got a few days to work on and hopefully we'll be right for when we play again."

This weekend will be Rhinos' fifth without a game since the season began – and they've come back with a win after three of the previous four.

"We've used them well this year," Ablett said. "We've trained hard and the coaching staff have devised plans to make sure we're ready for the next game.

"I'm sure they'll be doing that again."

Leeds came through last Friday's win with no major new injury concerns and Ablett rates that as a bonus at this time of year.

Luke Burgess missed out due to an ankle problem, but Rhinos have only broken-leg victim Danny Buderus on their long-term casualty list.

"Hopefully Biff (Burgess) will be right for the next game," said Ablett.
"The medical staff here do a great job and to have most of your squad, bar one, available at this time of the is great testament to them."

Former Leeds centre Chev Walker will remain in hospital this week after undergoing surgery on a compound fracture of his left leg following his horror injury on Friday.

He was rushed to hospital in Leeds, where he underwent surgery straight away, and a Hull KR spokesman said: "He is comfortable but will remain in hospital for another seven days."

Rovers coach Justin Morgan said: "I'd like to thank Chev for all his hard work this season and we wish him a speedy recovery."

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RHINOS reserves' season is over following a 59-28 defeat at St Helens in the play-offs final eliminator.

Ben Jones-Bishop, Tom Bush, Jodie Broughton, Dane Manning and Liam Brown scored the tries and Simon Brown landed four goals.