Agar's agenda - what is on Leeds Rhinos coach's mind this week?

That is always a huge game, but Rhinos coach Richard Agar will also have an eye on his side’s date at Wembley with Salford Red Devils nine days later. Here’s what might be on Agar’s agenda this week.

1: Quiet satisfaction. First order of business should be arranging a socially distant pint with Rhinos’ director of rugby Kevin Sinfield. Both men’s suitability for their current job has been questioned since they were appointed, but here Rhinos are, preparing for a Cup final and in top-four contention. Rhinos have a long way to go yet, but are heading in the right direction and the transformation from a year ago has been impressive.

2: Culture. A word Agar used more than once following the semi-final defeat of Wigan Warriors is something which had lapsed at Leeds since their golden generation glory days, but compare the dispirited shambles of last year’s Cup loss at Bradford Bulls, which was Agar’s first game in charge, to the discipline, spirit and winning mentality shown against Wigan and there is a world of difference. That is a credit to Agar’s coaching and his and Sinfield’s recruitment.

3: Perspective. Reaching Wembley is only half the job. Rhinos have a good record against Salford, including two big wins this season, but Leeds beat Hull twice in 2005 before coming unstruck against them in the Cup final. Hull’s assistant-coach that afternoon was Richard Agar so he is unlikely to be taking anything for granted.

4: Caution. Rhinos visit Warrington Wolves three days before Wembley and Agar is very likely to field a similar side to the one beaten by Catalans Dragons when the entire semi-final lineup were rested. There is almost always a major injury scare ahead of the final and getting through this week’s game with no serious concerns is a leading priority.

5: Selection. Castleford is always a big game and Leeds need to win to maintain their top-four push, but realistically the Challenge Cup is their best hope of silverware. Agar is likely to select a strong squad, but won’t take any chances.

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