Leeds Rhinos: Teams cannot afford to relax against the Rhinos warns Saints boss Cunningham

Saints will be visiting a Rhinos side who are third from bottom in First Utility Super League and have scored fewer points than any of their rivals.

A win would see Saints, who are fourth, go eight points clear of the defending champions and leave Rhinos with a mountain to climb in the race for semi-final spots.

But Cunningham warned: “There’s never a good time to go to Leeds.

“Leeds are a great side, regardless of what scorelines are telling you at the minute.

“They competed with North Queensland for the longest period of all the clubs in the World Club Series.

“Queensland ran away with it in the last 30 minutes of the game, but going to Headingley is never easy.

“It is one of the toughest places and, actually, a place I enjoy going to – as both a player and a coach.

“I love the ground and love the atmosphere.

“Saints-Leeds games are always a classic. It is always backs to the ball and they have got a lot of skill across the board.”

Asked if he is surprised by Rhinos’ lowly position on the ladder, Cunningham said: “It is what it is.

“It’s the start of the year and some teams have hit the ground running and some are stumbling along, as you see every year.

“It is a long season and it’s just about trying to get as many points as you can and seeing where the land lies after Easter.”