Leeds v St Helens - Teams
The top two in Super League go head-to-head on Friday with Leeds knowing a win over St Helens could all but clinch first-place.
Last Updated: 19/06/08 5:25pm
The top two in Super League go head-to-head at Headingley on Friday with Leeds knowing a win over St Helens could all but clinch a first-place finish.
The eagerly-anticipated showdown also acts as a dress-rehearsal for next month's Challenge Cup semi-final at Huddersfield.
The Rhinos go into the game on the back of last week's surprise 28-24 reverse at Harlequins, but still boast a four-point lead at the top of the table.
However, they face arguably the league's form team with Saints on a run of ten straight victories in all competitions.
Leeds will be boosted by the news that half-back pairing Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire have both signed new five-year contracts to stay with the club and both will start on Friday.
Coach Brian McClennan has added winger Ryan Hall to his squad, while fellow winger Scott Donald is set to make his 87th consecutive start for the club - equalling the record of Francis Cummins.
Saints wait on Gidley
Saints, who will be looking to avenge last October's Grand Final thrashing and a 14-10 home defeat by the Rhinos in March, are waiting on the fitness of centre Matt Gidley.
The Australian missed last weekend's 58-20 thrashing of Bradford, but is expected to be passed fit for the match at Headingley.
Coach Daniel Anderson does though still have a number of injury problems with which to contend, with forwards Nick Fozzard, Mike Bennett, Chris Flannery and Jason Cayless all unavailable.
Young prop Gareth Frodsham is another now in the treatment room meaning there will be a bench spot for 21-year-old Sam Thompson.
Anderson has also named youngsters Andrew Dixon and Shaun Magennis in his initial squad for the trip to Yorkshire.
Leeds: (from) Brent Webb, Scott Donald, Keith Senior, Lee Smith, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Kylie Leuluai, Matt Diskin, Jamie Peacock, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Gareth Ellis, Kevin Sinfield, Ryan Bailey, Nick Scruton, Carl Ablett, Jordan Tansey, Ryan Hall, Luke Burgess, Simon Worrall.
St Helens: (from) Paul Wellens, Ade Gardner, Matt Gidley, Willie Talau, Francis Meli, Leon Pryce, Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham, Lee Gilmour, Jon Wilkin, Paul Sculthorpe, James Roby, James Graham, Bryn Hargreaves, Paul Clough, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Sam Thompson, Andrew Dixon, Shaun Magennis.
Referee: Steve Ganson.