Leeds have best fans in the world

[josie andrews]

BRIAN McCLENNAN is urging “the best fans in the world” to send Leeds into the Grand Final on a wave of emotion.
Rhinos have to pick themselves up from their disappointing loss to St Helens in time for tomorrow’s sudden-death game against Wigan.

But Rhinos coach McClennan is convinced the noisy Headingley crowd can work as their secret weapon.

The former New Zealand boss said: “The atmosphere at Headingley is the best I have ever experienced anywhere - even in Test matches.”

McClennan, who led the Kiwis to a shock Tri-Nations win in 2005, added: “The singing and noise the Headingley fans make is far better than anything I have heard anywhere else.

“The fans are brilliant and they can play their part on Friday. As long as we give them something to cheer about we can then ride on their emotion.”

Scrum-half Rob Burrow also called on supporters to turn Headingley into an intimidating cauldron to psyche out the Warriors.

He said: “There is no better atmosphere than Headingley. Our fans are a big factor in our drive forward and we rely on them, as well as the players’ performances.”


http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... 729729.ece

We shall see on Friday then. At least we make the effort to travel across the M62 on a Friday never mind Saturday, more than what they do

[josie andrews]

MATT DISKIN has urged Leeds to turn their play-off upset into Grand Final joy.

The champions have to face a sudden-death clash with Wigan on Friday because of their surprise 38-10 thumping by St Helens last weekend.

But England World Cup hopeful Diskin believes Rhinos can benefit from the disappointment of seeing Saints grab the first Grand Final spot.

The hooker said: “Don’t get me wrong, we’d have liked to have gone straight into the Grand Final at the first attempt.

“But if we had done, it would have meant that we’d have only played two games in six weeks and that might have affected us.”

Leeds and Saints had a weekend off before last Friday’s clash, as reward for finishing in the top two in the league.

The Rhinos also had a free weekend at the end of August, while Saints were involved in the Challenge Cup Final.

Diskin added: “This way, if we beat Wigan, it gives us the added benefit of going into the Final match fit.

“That little bit of adversity of losing to Saints has brought us closer as a team and will benefit us.”

Diskin has also urged the Headingley crowd to get behind them.

He said: “When you are gasping for air and you hear the fans, it gives you a lift.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... 728295.ece

Our players don't need to beg and plead for us to turn up to games