St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham has warned his team will have to be on form to deny Leeds a return to the Super League Grand Final tonight – saying that you write the Rhinos off at your peril.
Leeds’ post-Challenge Cup hangover looked to be kicking in again until they snatched a dramatic win against Huddersfield last Friday to set up a home semi-final against the Saints.
And Cunningham said he was pleased for Leeds to finish top – “they deserved to finish first” – and says he’s expecting a tough game at Headingley on Friday night.
“I’m really pleased for Mac (Brian McDermott) and for all the players involved,” Cunningham told the club’s official website. “They have consistently have been the best side and at times untouchable.
“They deserved to finish first and it would have been a bit of a travesty if they hadn’t have done that. You write Leeds off at your peril. We know they will fire on Friday like they did on Friday against the Giants and we will have to be ready for that.
“It will be a tough old game and we’re looking to put in a good showing and progress.”
