'New' tackle riles McClennan and has him counting cost of growing injury list

Having suffered a rare defeat against Crusaders, the reigning Super League champions face a serious test of their credentials at second-placed Warrington Wolves tomorrow evening.

But the loss of two points was not the only legacy of their surprise loss against the Welshmen – Leeds head to Cheshire minus prop Kylie Leuluai who faces six weeks out with an ankle injury collected in that fixture.

McClennan argues it was the result of the impact of a third defender going low on the Samoan and from behind, a motion which made him susceptible.

He acknowledges it is not illegal but believes both Jamie Peacock and Carl Ablett were each sidelined earlier this year after similar defensive interjections.

"This is something that is creeping into our game and is causing injuries," said McClennan, without seven regulars tomorrow. "I am not a fan of it and think there needs to be more care in this sort of tackle."

In one of two Super League games switched tomorrow in order to avoid clashing with England's World Cup fixture with Germany, Castleford Tigers seek a third successive victory when they host Bradford Bulls.

A win would see them advance to within a point of their eighth-placed opponents and they are strengthened by the return of England centre Michael Shenton.

"We've notched back-to-back wins for only the second time this year, and believe that at our best we are capable of making it three in a row," said coach Terry Matterson.

"But we aren't getting carried away. We did well against an improving Catalans and then at Salford, but know that we'll have to step up a notch."

Two erstwhile Castleford players enhance Bradford's squad as captain Andy Lynch returns from knee surgery and centre Michael Platt is included following a two-game suspension although Nick Scruton (knee) misses his first game since signing from Leeds in 2008.

Coach Steve McNamara says the unusual 11.30am kick-off will not affect his side who have now lost five games in a row.

"A lot of players prefer to get up and get the job done as there is a lot of hanging around on gameday," he said.

"We've had to make some adjustments to our practice and spoken in great detail about our individual preparation for this game but the players seem really comfortable with it."

Wakefield have seen their fixture with Crusaders in Wrexham pushed back to a 6pm kick-off as coach John Kear – with his future now decided after Catalans dropped their interest on Wednesday – keen to secure a crucial win of his own to get their season back on track.