Plenty more left in the tank for McGuire after setting new try record

The Leeds Rhinos scrum-half reached the double ton and became the league’s leading all-time try scorer with a trademark supporting effort in the 61st minute of Saturday night’s 42-20 elimination play-off win over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

It took him one clear of ex-Rhinos team-mate Keith Senior (199) to head an illustrious list which also includes Paul Wellens (181), Leon Pryce (158) and Lesley Vainikolo (136).

But the England star, beginning his testimonial year at Headingley, said: “I still feel like coming into my own and my best years are ahead of me.

“I’m only 29 – 30 this year which is a bit of a worry – but I still feel like there’s plenty to offer.

“I’m playing in a great team and hopefully there’ll be plenty more opportunities to come.”

He had equalled Senior’s record last month before suffering a knee injury against Widnes Vikings that kept him out of the next four matches.

But on his return in his 257th Super League game – ex-Great Britain centre Senior recorded his feat in 413 fixtures – he secured the landmark as Leeds set up another elimination play-off with Catalan in Perpignan on Friday.

“It’s nice to get over that hurdle now and to beat my good mate Keith as well who’s a legend in the game,” continued McGuire.

“He probably set me up for 50 plus of those tries so he’s had a hand in it too while it’s nice to keep it in the Leeds family.

“I’m sure Ryan Hall will not be far behind in the next few years as well chasing my heels. I’d actually forgotten about the record on Saturday – I was just focused on getting back and playing well – and then I heard it announced when I was walking back and realised.”

On the game itself, which Leeds did not take control of until after McGuire’s try, he added: “I expected Wakefield to come play really well and they did.

“They had a real dig and, personally, I don’t think we were ever comfortable.

“There was no point when I didn’t think they could come back. If they’d have finished off some of their breaks it could have been different.

“But we just showed our character and our desire to keep involved in these play-offs.

“The scoreline blew out a little at the end and probably didn’t reflect the game but we’re happy to get the win and head to Catalan.”