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Rugby League

Desire to retain title propelled Rhinos into final

27/09/2008

Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield said the players' desire to retain the Super League title was the motivating factor that helped them overcome Wigan on Friday.

The Rhinos beat the Warriors 18-14 to reach the Grand Final and have another shot at beating St Helen's, who defeated them in the first final eliminator.

Following the win over the Warriors, Sinfield explained: "It's our trophy and we don't want to lose it."

Wigan came back strongly in the closing part of the match but Sinfield felt the Rhinos' desire helped them hold off their opponents' late burst.

He said: "It was a really tough game. Wigan are a very good side with some great players. They came here with two big wins and wanting to avenge last year's defeat here.

"We blew some opportunities and we had some tries disallowed which made life difficult for ourselves but the guys' effort and desire was fantastic."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan was pleased with the way his side had responded to the defeat to Saints a week ago.

He claimed his side had shown good character to come back from that loss and ensure they still got not the Grand Final.

Wigan had not qualified for the final since 2003 and coach Brian Noble was pleased with the progress they had made this season despite the defeat.

"We're improving," he said. "Great strides have been made by the club in the last couple of seasons."

Rhinos will hope to complete the same result against Saints that they achieved last year, piping them to the title after St Helens had finished top of the league.