Exclusive: Rhinos count cost of stunning victory as McGuire is ruled out for rest of campaign

The elusive stand-off, who has been in stunning form for the West Yorkshire club, faces around six months on the sidelines after rupturing multiple knee ligaments in Sunday's dramatic play-off victory at Wigan.

McGuire's loss is a huge blow to Leeds – who lost England captain Jamie Peacock to a similar injury last month – and their chances of reaching a fourth successive Super League Grand Final.

"It's actually the same as what JP has done," he told the Yorkshire Post after yesterday's scan revealed his worst fears.

"The specialist has said he can't believe he's seen two serious knee injuries like these so close together.

"I'm devastated. I've really enjoyed this year and had such a good season.

"To get injured at this moment, when we're just 80 minutes from another Grand Final is just really frustrating but I suppose that's sport.

"You get ups and downs. I've been pretty lucky in that I've not had a serious injury for a while.

"I suppose I'll just have to come back stronger next season."

On ample occasions, McGuire's brilliance has carried Leeds single-handedly through contests in their most turbulent campaign of recent times and it was no surprise he scooped the club's Player of the Year award last week.

It was his 200th career try that sealed victory in the Challenge Cup semi-final over St Helens last month and his brace at Hull 10 days ago vitally secured fourth place for Leeds.

That saw them head to minor premiers Wigan where McGuire's creative spark – fashioning two tries and going over himself – generated a remarkable fightback from 14-0 down to win 27-26.

However, the 27-year-old, who has missed just one game all season, suffered the cruel injury as he was chasing down George Carmont in the nerve-shredding final seconds and now Rhinos must battle on without him.

"I don't know what happened exactly," said McGuire. "I was just running behind trying to get to him, we collided and it just seemed to buckle. I knew something was wrong straight away."

The injury left a cloud over Leeds' heroic performance at opponents deemed favourites to end the Rhinos' three-year domination of Super League.

"It was a brilliant win," said McGuire, who had amassed 27 tries this season.

"All the lads were outstanding. We had a lot of faith in our ability and knew if we performed to our best we were a match for anyone.

"From one to 17, everyone was on top of their game. Wigan are a great side but now we've gone there and done that we've got a home game to get to Old Trafford."

Leeds have this weekend off while Wigan host Hull KR as Warrington entertain Huddersfield in sudden-death contests to reach the semi-finals with Leeds and St Helens.

McGuire, who will undergo surgery later this week, is confident his side can defy the odds and become the first club to win Super League from outside the top three.

"This year has been a testing one from start to finish," he said, the club having also suffered Wembley heartache against Warrington Wolves.

"But every time something's been thrown at us, the boys seem to take it in their stride and come back fighting.

"I'm definitely sure we can go on and be successful. We've got a good enough squad."

McGuire's injury leaves England coach Steve McNamara with a headache given he was virtually sure to be in his 24-man touring party to Australia and New Zealand next month.

Meanwhile, Leeds could face further problems tonight when hooker Danny Buderus faces an RFL disciplinary for an alleged spear tackle on Wigan's Paul Prescott.