McClennan shocked by mauling

12 April 2012

Leeds coach Brian McClennan admits his side "have a fair bit of work to do" if they are to retain their engage Super League title after crashing to a 38-10 defeat by St Helens in Friday night's qualifying semi-final.

Saints ran in nine tries at Knowsley Road to cruise through to a third successive Grand Final, and the defending champions could still join them in the Old Trafford decider on October 4 by winning the final eliminator but they have just six days to re-group after this mauling.

"There is a fair degree of shock," said McClennan. "We trained well in the week and felt confident going into the match. We are very disappointed that we didn't perform."

Leeds were in touch at half-time, when they trailed 12-4, but were caught out by a three-try blitz in 10 minutes early in the second half.

"St Helens were too good," added McClennan. "They really got some momentum in their sets and were able to play some footie on us.

"I don't think we every really threatened. We didn't run on to the ball with enough intent. We were shuffled sideways and were easy to defend against.

"We'll take it on the chin. We've a chance to redeem ourselves but we've got a fair bit of work to do."

Leeds have a worry over full-back Brent Webb, who went off with a knee injury on the hour, but McClennan is optimistic about his chances of facing Wigan or Catalans Dragons at Headingley next Friday.

"He should be alright," said McClennan. "He suffered a recurrence of the injury he did in training a couple of weeks ago but he's not twisted or torn anything.

"It was just a bang on the knee and we're confident he'll be okay."

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