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Leeds Rhinos: We have the power to cope - JJB
Rhinos forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan says the tremendous strength in depth of the current first-team squad can power Leeds to glory this season.
The triple Grand Final winners face their first home match of the season tonight against arch-rivals Castleford Tigers at Headingley Carnegie (8pm).
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And while Jones-Buchanan accepts this evening's challenge will be a tough one, he says the Rhinos are ready for it.
He said: "They are our big rivals and we're expecting a tough game. It's a derby and with it not being on TV there should be a big crowd there too.
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"It's the start of the season for Cas and I'm sure they would like nothing better than to come to Leeds and cause an upset by winning.
"We have prepared for a really tough game and training this week has gone pretty well, despite the poor conditions again.
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"We have been able to recall Jamie Peacock and Brent Webb and they're looking fresh and enthusiastic so it's looking well for us."
The recall of international stars Peacock and Webb shows the quality at Leeds coach Brian McClennan's disposal this season and it is something that is not lost on the second-row forward.
"It is definitely the strongest Leeds squad I have been involved in and it is not just the players here who are not getting in the 17 who would walk into any other side in Super League side.
"There are also those out on loan like Ben Jones-Bishop at Harlequins, who scored for them last week, and is someone I rate highly as a fantastic player."
McClennan, who has led his side to victory in the last two Grand Finals, has seen his hand boosted further by the arrival of New Zealand World Cup-winner Greg Eastwood and Australian centre Brett Delaney.
"Brett is a great centre. He is only a young lad, but is really enthusiastic and has that experience of playing in the NRL which is going to be invaluable to the Rhinos," said Jones-Buchanan.
"He was brought in to replace Lee Smith, which is not an easy thing to do, but he has done it.
"Greg is also a good player. He is powerful and his build is quite deceptive. He reminds me a bit of Ali (Lauitiiti) in that he is going to produce those moments of magic in a game that can turn them for us.
"So it's certainly going to be a challenge for me, with Carl Ablett, Gregg, Ali and myself battling for the places in the second row!"
Australia Test star Danny Buderus is almost like a new signing too following his injury problems last season and Jones-Buchanan admits he has to pinch himself at times in training.
"I was laughing to myself the other day and thinking 'hey that's Danny Buderus the former Australia captain and hooker and he is training with me at Leeds!'
"But it is fantastic. I was born and brought up in Leeds and have been fortunate to play for my hometown club with all these great players and I really appreciate it."
Like the rest of the Leeds squad as well as defending their title Jones-Buchanan is eager for the side to end their long drought in the Carnegie Challenge Cup.
Rhinos last lifted the trophy in 1999 and he says another victory is long overdue.
"The Challenge Cup is one target for us and of course the World Club Challenge too. We were very disappointed to lose that last season and the boys want it back.
"Personally, I want to get back to top form.
"I had my Testimonial last season, I got married in pre-season and we had our third child and although I don't regret any of those things for a moment, it will be good to get back to the rugby.
"It' is a long season, but I think as it goes on that is where our strength in depth will tell."
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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