Leeds Rhinos preview

Last season

It's not how you start, but how you finish. Those words perfectly sum up the 2011 campaign for Leeds, as they found form at just the right time to be crowned champions at Old Trafford.

Seeing Kevin Sinfield - who was a talisman for the team throughout the year - lift the Super League trophy is hardly a new image (the Rhinos have now taken the title four times in the last five years), but never before had it been so unexpected.

In the middle of July Brian McDermott's side were beaten by Catalans Dragons to leave themselves perched precariously in eighth position in the table. With the serious prospect of missing out on the play-offs, there were even suggestions that the new coach wouldn't see out his first season.

Yet come the business end of the season they hit top form - and found the perfect formula - to take the spoils, their 32-16 triumph over St Helens meaning they had won nine of their last 10 outings.

The reason for the turnaround? Speak to the players and they all seem to point to the Challenge Cup final defeat to Wigan at Wembley, a game that the Rhinos could well have won having fought back from 16-0 down.

From then on they went on the mother of all hot streaks, meaning earlier home defeats to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield and Bradford (who had not won at Headingley in four years previously) were a distant memory. Any Leeds fans now wondering if McDermott is the right man for the job?

Ins and outs

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Leeds have stuck with the vast majority of their title-winning squad, though they have bolstered their options up front with the addition of two props.

Richard Moore has returned to the club where he began his career, the 30-year-old signing a three-year deal after being left in limbo by the Crusaders' last-minute decision not to seek a new Super League licence.

Before the ink was barely dry on Moore's contract Leeds had paid out an undisclosed sum to bring in Darrell Griffin from Huddersfield and although both players are not in the first flush of youth, they can still perform at the top level. Luke Ambler is also an option after returning from a season in London.

The Rhinos were looking for forward reinforcements after deciding to let Ali Lauitiiti and Kyle Amor leave for Wakefield, while there was space on the salary cap after Ben Cross failed to even see out a season with them.

The one possible area of concern for Leeds could be at hooker following the departure of Danny Buderus. The Australian was influential in the closing months of last year and will be sorely missed.

It seems Paul McShane and Liam Hood are going to be asked to fill the sizeable void left by Buderus' exit, though McDermott could also opt to use his new super-sub, Rob Burrow, in that role.

Outlook

By Peter Smith - Yorkshire Evening Post

After a poor opening and storming finish last year, consistency is the big word for reigning champions Leeds Rhinos this term.

Experienced trio Keith Senior, Danny Buderus and Ali Lauitiiti have moved on, but Leeds' squad actually has a stronger look to it than did last year, when they won the Grand Final from fifth spot in the table.

In-coming props Darrell Griffin and Richard Moore will take some of the workload off veteran England skipper Jamie Peacock and if they can set a platform, Leeds' backs will take some stopping.

Rising stars Kallum Watkins, Zak Hardaker and Ben Jones-Bishop are all a year older and wiser after taking big strides last season, Ryan Hall is now established as one of the world's top wingers - with at least 30 tries to his credit in each of his last three seasons - and 'forgotten man' Lee Smith has been one of Rhinos' most impressive performers in training.

With Danny McGuire looking sharp after a full pre-season, following his knee injury and Rob Burrow looking for a big testimonial season, Leeds boast impressive strike power.

The one question mark is at hooker, where youngsters Paul McShane and Liam Hood, who has yet to make a Super League appearance, will carry a heavy responsibility.

Both players are highly-rated by Leeds' management and if they can make a successful step-up, Rhinos can again be challenging for major honours.