Brian McLennan has become the first New Zealand coach to win an English Super League title after Leeds upset St Helens 24-16 in the Grand Final.
Brian McLennan has become the first New Zealand coach to win an English Super League title after Leeds upset St Helens 24-16 in the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Considered underdogs going into the contest after losing fullback Brent Webb, the reigning champions overturned a 6-nil deficit into a 12-6 lead at half-time.
After receiving the most animated spray from Australian coach Daniel Anderson during the break, Saints hit back immediately to lock the scoreboard up at 12-all care of Matt Gidley.
But it was the Rhinos ability to strike back immediately which helped them win the game in very wet conditions.
In the end a missed conversion by Saints halfback Sean Long provided the Rhinos with an eight-point lead to help cushion the possibility of a last minute ambush. It was not to be.
Full match report by Richard English to come.
Leeds 24 (Smith, Hall, McGuire 2 tries; Sinfield 4 goals) St Helens 16 (Graham, Gidley, Gardner tries; Long 2 goals) at Old Trafford. Crowd:
