Friday Interview - Brian McClennan: Leeds will get through their crisis

It is not blind faith. A club do not become Super League champions for three consecutive years without solid leadership but after losing four of seven fixtures already, slipping to the alien position of eighth and being beset by injuries, it is difficult to envisage Leeds turning around their form at the home of rivals who are emerging as the newest and biggest threat to their recent domination.

Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, sidelined by a dead leg since their World Club Challenge loss four weeks ago, is one of those who must be examined this morning before McClennan decides who boards the coach to table-topping Wigan.

It is not ideal preparation but such is the magnitude of their recent medical sufferings, he accepts the position.

"Even I don't know a concrete 17 that will take the field," said McClennan yesterday. "I won't until the morning but we've got a philosophy here: whatever 17 we name, that is our best 17.

"There's no use thinking about what you haven't got; concentrate on what you have got.

"That 17 we put out against WIgan is our best."

It is a mantra that has held Leeds in good stead since the Kiwi took over ahead of the 2008 season but never has it been tested so vigorously.

He had to hand three players Super League debuts against Hull KR a week ago as the injury crisis reached a new peak and their faltering start to the campaign is the worst since Super League's debut year in 1996. Then, they eventually stumbled in 10th although they were a different animal all together.

Short on playing talent and in financial trouble, it was not until after the end of that season that Gary Hetherington and Paul Caddick arrived to begin their overhaul, setting in place the masterplan for the colossus which has since evolved.

Now, after losses against Castleford, Wakefield, Hull KR and Huddersfield, and that gut-wrenching reverse versus Melbourne Storm, questions are inevitably being asked if the champions are on the wane but McClennan insists he is not overly-troubled.

"Personally, I've been through far tougher times than you ever go through with a footy season," he said, having helped his wife Julie battle a brain tumour a few years ago.

"I know from experiences, and hope I pass it on well to the players, that persistence is a really strong word that you need at times. You've got to live it. We're very passionate about our sport, what we do for a living and persistence – with passion – is going to help get us through.

"We will get through. I don't just think that; I know it."

As journalists descended on their Kirkstall training base yesterday, there was the inevitable derision from backroom staff – "you're never here when we're winning" – with mentions of the Grim Reaper equally prevalent.

But the media scrum had not simply emerged because it senses blood, more because of the scale of Leeds's woes.

There have been failed attempts to bring players in on loan, Jamie Peacock is the latest ruled out, crocked ahead of the hectic Easter period, and red-hot Wigan are waiting as they look to end a 12-year wait for a title.

"They've improved a lot," said McClennan, about a Warriors team which, under new coach Michael Maguire has hit a golden streak as Leeds descended into their slump.

"I like what Wigan are doing; good conditioning, playing a real high-tempo game burning teams up, nice structure, plenty of options off the ball and good shape. They've got very good line speed in defence – teams are struggling to get out of their half against Wigan – and, along with Huddersfield, they're playing good footy."

Ryan Bailey, Ryan Hall and Danny Buderus should all return to strengthen the champions as they aim to avoid a third successive Super League defeat, a failing they last experienced in 2006.

They failed to complete 20 sets against Rovers yet still only lost by seven points but he knows such profligacy tonight would see Wigan destroy them.

Leeds have finished in the top two in each of the last three seasons but, if they are to retain their trophy, it seems likely they may have to do so from further down the table. However, finishing outside the top two is not as punitive as it was as under the current play-off format the top four sides have two chances of proceeding.

"We know ourselves it's a long season and we'll pick up our wins but the main thing is getting to that (business) part of the season in form and health," added McClennan, buoyed by the prospect of a refreshed Scott Donald, Carl Ablett, Greg Eastwood and Peacock all swelling his squad later in the summer.

"If you're there or thereabouts in the middle of the eight, you can go on and win it."

McClennan added: "The salary cap is biting in each year. In five years' time it's going to be even harder for everyone. That's how we want it though and how it is in all major competitions with a salary cap. Those without have a top six but those with a cap – the NFL and NRL – the dynasties there are pretty short. If we do win it for a fourth time in a row, you'd have to say there's some pretty decent greatness."

Where it's all gone wrong...

A feature of Leeds's three-year reign as Super League champions has been their good fortune with injuries, the club rarely suffering major catastrophes. However, in the opening few months of this season their luck finally ran out. A crippling list saw nine players with first-team experience miss last Friday's loss against Hull KR.

Leeds made no secret of the fact the World Club Challenge was their priority as they started the new campaign. The subsequent failure to overcome Australian premiers for a second year running proved a demoralising experience. They have lost two of their three matches since.

Rhinos players themselves admit the playing surface at Headingley has hampered their fluent style this season while generally aiding many of their opponents.

The rest of Super League is catching up. Of the sides who have beaten Leeds so far, Huddersfield have advanced again on last term's impressive showing while Wakefield delivered one of their best performances yet to see off the champions. Likewise Castleford.