McClennan says Wembley is not a distraction

Leeds entertain bottom-placed Catalans in the penultimate round still trailing the Airlie Birds by a single point but their rivals do face a difficult task at second-placed Warrington this evening.

It seems likely it will all go down to a final night decider between the Yorkshire foes at KC Stadium on September 3.

Regardless, Rhinos coach

Brian McClennan does not believe next Saturday's

Wembley showdown with Warrington will disrupt their pursuit of defending their

Super League crown as fiercely as ever.

"I think the players certainly answered that question last week at Castleford and I do not expect it to be a problem this week," he said.

"As a club, we do not put up smokescreens and we would be lying if we said that Wembley was not in the back of the players' minds.

"However, crucially we have a very strong squad and everyone knows that they need to perform at their best to make sure they are selected for the final.

"As well as Wembley, we are also attempting to secure a top-four position in the table and that is still in our control with our game against the Dragons and then a trip to Hull on the last day.

"We are already playing play-off rugby and that is something we enjoy."

Although missing Jamie Peacock and Luke Burgess after they suffered season-ending injuries at Castleford, McClennan is bolstered by the return of captain Kevin Sinfield, hooker Danny Buderus and prop Ryan Bailey.

Hull coach Richard Agar is without the suspended Jordan Tansey for the trip to Warrington as well as half-backs Sean Long and Richard Horne but recalls Craig Hall to fill in at full-back.

He feels their opponents will be equally as focused and is relishing the challenge of facing a Warrington side desperate to hold onto second.

"I'm not subscribing to this theory it's a good time to get Warrington and Leeds because they're in the cup final," he added.

"With the size of their squad, and it being so healthy, I'm sure Warrington will want to go out and put in a good performance before Wembley while some players will be wanting to make sure they book a spot in that team.

"We're fighting for our own place in the play-offs and hopefully we'll play our best football at the right time of the year."