Halifax-born Widdup in Melbourne equation to face Rhinos
After back-to-back defeats by Castleford and Wakefield, the Rhinos were relieved to get back to winning ways, courtesy of a 22-10 victory over Salford, but it was hardly the type of performance to worry Melbourne Storm.
McClennan admits his side have yet to hit their straps but is confident they can rise to the big occasion at Elland Road.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"It doesn't take much to turn it around," he said. "If we hadn't been in many finals, I would be worried, but we know how to get things right on the night."
Two tries from veteran centre Keith Senior, maintaining his record of scoring in all 15 seasons of Super League, helped Leeds to their second win of the season on a gluepot of a pitch but it was tarnished by injury to winger Scott Donald.
The Australian flyer, who scored the Rhinos' only try in their 11-4 win over Melbourne in the 2008 World Club Challenge, jarred his shoulder early in the game and is a major doubt for Elland Road.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was delighted with his side's form ahead of next Sunday's match.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Australian premiers warmed up with a 34-10 victory over a depleted Harlequins side in difficult, muddy conditions at the Twickenham Stoop.
"I'm really happy with that," said Bellamy. "The ground was very heavy and we were a bit concerned how heavy-legged we were going to be but we were pretty strict on the times we wanted to play the players so hopefully that will work out okay.
"I thought we played really well. We were really strong defensively and there were some good signs from some of our old guys and some of our younger guys."
Dane Nielsen overshadowed the comeback of his fellow centre Greg Inglis, the 2009 Golden Boot winner, with an impressive two-try display while Halifax-born full-back Gareth Widdop gave an encouraging performance highlighted by some near-faultless goalkicking.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWiddop, who emigrated with his family to Melbourne four years ago, succeeded with his first five conversion attempts before hitting an upright to lose his 100 per cent record.
The 20-year-old Yorkshireman began the match at full-back in the absence of Billy Slater and had a spell at stand-off.
"Gareth is a very talented young player," said Bellamy.
"He'll have a chance of being on the bench next week. We're very happy with the way he's going."