Brad Arthur welcomes Leeds Rhinos' League Leaders' Shield pressure as play-offs loom
Brad Arthur has welcomed the increasingly tense League Leaders' Shield battle as Leeds Rhinos gear up for the play-offs.
The Rhinos returned to the summit on Sunday thanks to an emphatic 66-16 win at York Knights, representing the perfect response to the setback against Leigh Leopards.
However, Arthur's men lead Wigan Warriors only on points difference and must still face their rivals at Headingley.
Leeds warm up for the potential League Leaders' Shield decider with a trip to old foes St Helens this Friday.
Arthur believes the uncertainty surrounding the race is helping his side prepare for the pressure of the play-offs.
"We've talked about getting ourselves ready," he said.
"We know we're going to be there in some capacity. I thought the way we started (against York) was a really good indication of our mentality.
"We've got to make sure we front up with the same mentality against Saints. We'll see what happens there and will know a bit more each week as it goes.
"It'd be very hard for anyone to try and predict what's going to happen in the competition at the moment. It's great for the game that you've got a couple of teams fighting for the League Leaders' Shield."
Leeds had held top spot since May before being temporarily dislodged by Wigan following a 12th win in a row for Matt Peet's side on Friday.
Arthur, though, saw no reason for alarm at starting the game against York in second place.
"We didn't get knocked off," he said with a smile. "We just hadn't had our game yet.
"We're still there. We've just got to stay there. We've worked hard to get there and need to work even harder now to stay there. It's up to us."
The Rhinos – healthy for much of the season – have encountered injuries at the business end.
Arthur, however, is hopeful of welcoming back key personnel as the run-in intensifies.
"Danny Levi is very close (for St Helens) and Jack Bird," said Arthur.
"We'll know a bit more tomorrow (Monday). Jack Bird is definitely right and Danny Levi is pretty close as well.
"The following week, Keenan (Palasia), Macca (James McDonnell) and Maika (Sivo) are pretty keen to get themselves ready for Wigan.
"We'll just have to wait and see where we're at."