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Rugby League

McClennan upbeat despite defeat

27/12/2007

New Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan says he is 'positive' about his side despite defeat to Wakefield Wildcats in his first match in charge.

The grand final winners were given a wake-up call by the Wildcats, who missed the playoffs last season, when they won 26-18 in an exhibition game at Headingley Carnegie yesterday.

Debutants Damian Blanch and Scott Grix accounted for three of the visitors' five tries as they outscored their illustrious opponents, although Leeds winger Ryan Hall gave reason for optimism with a brace of tries himself.

McClennan, who took over from new Great Britain full-time coach Tony Smith at the end of the season, said it was a combination of an inexperienced Rhinos lineup and excellent kicking tactics from the visitors that contributed to the defeat.

"It was a good test, especially going 16-0 down. It gave me a good chance to see how everybody handled that," he said afterwards.

"The biggest problem for us was Wakefield's kicking game. I thought it was outstanding. They really pegged us back and got a couple of tries from kicks. You've got to give credit where it is due.

"They were the better team but we got benefits out of it. We gave the young guys some experience. But all in all, I was pretty pleased."