You are in > manchester.com  > News > McClennan tips Saints as rivals

Rugby League

McClennan tips Saints as rivals

08/01/2008

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan has picked out St Helens as the team to beat in next season's battle for Super League supremacy.

The Headingley side sent McClennan's predecessor Tony Smith off in style with a convincing 33-6 grand final win over Saints to clinch the trophy in October, but the New Zealander is wary of a backlash.

"St Helens have been the top club in the last two years without a doubt. They've been very, very dominant and, to me, they're the club to watch out for big time," he said.

McClennan left the Kiwi national side in the summer to take the helm at the Rhinos after Smith moved on to fill the vacant Great Britain coaching post full-time.

He admits that he has since been impressed with the Super League's competitive edge and is refusing take any opponents for granted.

"You've got something positive to say for all the clubs - Bradford, Wigan, Warrington, Hull - you can go right through it," he said.

"There wouldn't be too many people who would be able to pick the correct [top] six and that's great for the game. It's very exciting."

McClennan's side will make their first outing under his command in Kevin Sinfield's testimonial against Oldham on Sunday and their new boss was impressed with the players' commitment to the fixture.

"The international boys have only just come back but they've come back good. They've looked after themselves and every one, to a man, wants to play for Kevin," he said.

"I'm really happy, It shows how much respect they have for Kevin and how highly they regard their skipper and their mate. It's a real good feel-good factor."