The final round presents play-off contenders with an awkward dilemma: chase momentum or protect the bodies that will be required when the real business begins.

Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have opted for freshness this week, rotating their squads with the eliminators in mind.

Leeds Rhinos have earned the right to put their feet up next week but the decision on whether to give key men an extended break was taken out of Brad Arthur's hands by Wigan Warriors.

The picture might have looked very different had Leeds got the job done last week. With the League Leaders' Shield secured, Arthur could have afforded to treat this as a glorified warm-up before a weekend off.

Instead, the home clash with Hull FC has taken on a different significance. A resounding win over the lowly Black and Whites would not tell Leeds anything they do not already know but it would at least give Arthur the chance to send his players into their week off with some momentum behind them.

Now the Shield is gone, barring a minor miracle at the Brick Community Stadium, the goal for the Rhinos is to sharpen up for the play-offs and ultimately set up a potential Grand Final rematch with Wigan.

"We've been so consistent at home with how we play around our physicality and our effort," said Arthur. "It's not like we didn't try hard and didn't try to be physical – they were just better than us in that area.

"They outmuscled and outcompeted us. We've got to get to that standard.

Leeds are going full throttle this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Leeds are going full throttle this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"They're a really good team. If we play our best footy, we're right in the contest but the two times we've played them, we haven't found our best footy.

"Hopefully we put ourselves in a position where we can actually put our best foot forward against them and see how we go. We've got a fair bit of work to do before then."

One look at the table suggests Leeds are still alive in the battle for top spot. They sit only two points behind the Warriors with a superior for and against, meaning a final-round swing would send the Shield to Headingley.

But the ladder does not show the full picture. Wigan have won 15 games in a row and last tasted defeat with their strongest available side in April.

Leeds were outclassed by Wigan last time out. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Arthur is certainly not pinning his hopes on a shock Catalans Dragons victory.

"We were in control of our destiny but we're not now," he said. "What we're in control of now is our response this Friday.

"We know we've got a home semi-final in two weeks' time and that's all we can worry about.

"Wigan are too good a team and too professional as a club to let that opportunity slip."

Hull have endured a disappointing season. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

While the Shield has slipped from Leeds' grasp at the death, second place carries just as much weight in the play-offs.

The Rhinos were beaten on the bell by St Helens in last year's eliminators but can now look forward to watching the action unfold before potentially taking advantage of any fatigue in the semi-finals.

"I think it's great," replied Arthur when asked about having a weekend off.

"If you asked every other team whether they'd rather go straight to week two and only have to win one game to get to Old Trafford, I'm sure the answer would be pretty easy.

"We were in that situation last year and would have preferred to only win one."

Hull, meanwhile, can only look on with envious eyes. They entered the final round in danger of finishing with the wooden spoon, underlining just how far they have fallen since mounting a play-off challenge last season.

Tom Briscoe will hang up his boots after Friday's game. (Photo: Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com)

Andy Last has endured a difficult second spell in interim charge of his beloved Black and Whites.

"It's been a bit of a blur with some real challenges," he said. "There have been some highs and there have certainly been some lows.

"I've enjoyed it because not many people can say they've had the opportunity to coach their hometown club, however long that's been.

"I'm hoping with the emotion of lots of players in their last game, we can put in a real strong performance against the Rhinos."

Tom Briscoe headlines the group of players preparing to move on.

The veteran winger will hang up his boots after one final game back at Headingley, his home of nine years during a successful spell with Leeds.

"He's been a great servant for the game," said Last. "He's a champion player and a champion person.

"He has been a great credit to his family and to himself. I'm hoping the emotion of this last game spurs on the other 16 blokes that will take to the field to put in a strong performance.

"Tom deserves a real strong performance from the Black and Whites, especially against the Rhinos who he served with great distinction."