Rhinos can handle losing – McClennan

LEEDS Rhinos coach Brian McClennan reckons his side will be ready to overcome Huddersfield Giants tonight because they have learned how to deal with defeat.

The Super League champions lost out at Hull KR a week ago and have now suffered eight defeats – two more already than they did all last season.

Huddersfield have been one of those conquerors and are now aiming to complete a league double over their West Yorkshire rivals at Headingley Carnegie, knowing victory would see them draw level with Leeds in fifth spot.

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However, McClennan has noted a reassuring change in mindset among his squad.

"The battle from third to eighth has been intriguing and you have to be able to handle the odd setback and not allow it to have a long standing effect," he said.

"I think our players have got better at that this season; we used to beat ourselves up after a loss whereas now we can look at it clinically, focus on the areas that need improving and see each week as a fresh challenge.

"Huddersfield have got a big pack and a lot of talent with the likes of Luke Robinson, Danny Brough and Brad Drew who can unlock any defence in Super League so we know we face a challenge.

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"But the mood has been good in training all week and there is a determination to produce a better performance."

n HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS coach Nathan Brown will hand the versatile Scott Grix a chance to stake a long-term claim for captain Brett Hodgson's full-back jersey at Leeds tonight.

The Australian is out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury and Grix, who has operated at half-back, wing and loose forward so far, knows he could prove a point to Brown with Hodgson heading to Warrington next season.

"Grixy has been waiting in the wings to have a shot at full-back," said Brown. "Now he will get a crack there."

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n BRADFORD BULLS are today expected to announce Mick Potter as their new coach. The St Helens chief has signed a two-year deal to replace Steve McNamara at Odsal, starting at the end of this season.

Fixtures (8.00)

Engage Super League: Leeds v Huddersfield, Wigan v Warrington.