Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Ian Laybourn, Sporting Life - Leeds coach Brian McClennan is warning his team it is a "dangerous time" to play engage Super League newcomers Celtic Crusaders, their opponents in the opening match of the season.

The Rhinos boss has been impressed by the Crusaders' progress in the three years since their formation, likening it to that of French club Catalans Dragons - who went from the wooden spoon to third place in the same time frame.

The Bridgend club have been given a three-year Super League licence, along with Salford City Reds, and handed the right to kick off the new campaign against the defending champions.

McClennan is determined not to under-estimate the Welsh side, who are favourites with the bookmakers to finish bottom of the 14-team league.

"We played them in a Challenge Cup tie last year, and I was very impressed with them," he said.

"We've followed them in the National League. They've got really good structure and good shape in their attack.

"They're a club that have made great progress and very quick progress. They remind you so much of Catalans.

"At the end of the day, it's good for expanding our game - but you can just see them going up levels quick.

"This will be a big year for Salford and Celtic, and the dangerous time to play one of those clubs is in the first game.

"But that's a good challenge for us, and it's exciting for us - because we'll be part of history."

The champions will begin the defence of their title on Friday without full-back Brent Webb, who is not yet in full training after undergoing back surgery, and prop Ryan Bailey - still recovering from a knee operation - as well as new signings Danny Buderus and Greg Eastwood.

Buderus will miss the first two rounds at least, after undergoing biceps surgery, while Eastwood is still in Brisbane awaiting the arrival of his British passport.

"We've got a fair idea of what we're going to run with," said McClennan.

"Ryan Bailey will be available the following week, and Danny Buderus is improving each week and is on target for Wakefield or Hull KR.

"The good news is that he is completing sessions. Brent Webb is still in rehab, so we can't put a time on him yet."

McClennan is optimistic that captain Kevin Sinfield and stand-off Danny McGuire will be fit to play their first games since the World Cup, despite picking up injuries on the club's training camp in Florida.

He is also confident Leeds have the strength in depth in their squad to plug the gaps caused by the absence of at least four past or present internationals.

"You have to be confident you can select any one of those players from your squad to put out a strong side," he said.

"That's the philosophy we had last year. We're very confident in the ability of any of our full-time squad to get on the pitch and do a good job."

Crusaders will be without one of their new signings Lincoln Withers, the 27-year-old former Canberra Raiders half-back or hooker who is still recovering from close-season surgery.

But the Welshmen have adequate cover in Neil Budworth, a former Wigan and London Broncos hooker - who was an ever-present in their successful National League One campaign in 2008.

Ironically, Withers was one of the club's few Australians not affected by visa delays and was able to take part in training sessions in south Wales.

The eight players left stranded in Australia by red tape all arrived safely yesterday - and most, if not all, are expected to line up against the Rhinos.

"We always had real faith in the system. But it took a little longer than planned, and I was starting to get fidgety," said coach John Dixon.

"They will recover (from jet-lag) pretty quickly. We put some protocols in place back home. They're here - that's the most important thing - and everyone is available for selection."

Dixon is holding his training sessions in the evening to simulate the conditions they can expect at Headingley.

The Leeds groundstaff are taking extra precautions to ensure the game goes ahead, with frost sheets placed on the playing surface after yesterday's game involving Leeds Carnegie.