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Rugby League

McClennan gets Rhinos' backing

15/10/2007

New Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McClennan has been given the seal approval by his predecessor Tony Smith and club captain Kevin Sinfield.

The former New Zealand national coach will arrive at Headingley on December 1st to take over from Smith who is in turn taking up the reins of the England national team.

McClennan has a formidable act to follow as Smith rounded off his four-year spell at the Yorkshire outfit with a thumping 33-6 victory in the weekend's Super League final against St Helens.

But Smith is confident that he is leaving his legacy in safe hands and tipped his former charges to continue on to more success and silverware.

"I have spoken to Brian recently. He rang to wish me well," he said.

"He will do a great job. I don't want people to put pressure on the new coach. He has to have time to develop his own methods with the club.

"But it's the players who make a coach and really they are a self-coaching team at the moment and a very smart bunch."

Sinfield is similarly optimistic after hearing reports of McClennan's international success from team-mates Brent Webb, Clinton Toopi and Ali Lauitiiti.

"The Kiwi players say Brian is good at building team spirit, so hopefully he can carry that on at Leeds," said Sinfield.

"He's got a good reputation and I'm looking forward to working with him and forging a good relationship."

McClennan masterminded New Zealand's 24-0 win over Australia in the 2005 Tri-Nations final, inflicting the Kangaroos' first series defeat in 27 years.

His first major test for his new side will come when Leeds take on National Rugby League champions Melbourne Storm in February and attempt to keep the World Club Challenge trophy in England after St Helens beat Brisbane Broncos earlier this year.