Grand Final
St Helens 16 l. Leeds Rhinos 24

2008 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Webb ruled out for Rhinos
Sat October 4, 2008
Source: www.leedsrugby.com

engage Super League Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos have revealed that New Zealand full back Brent Webb has been ruled out of the showpiece event at Old Trafford.

Webb has been ruled out by the re-occurrence of a back injury he suffered earlier in the season that meant he missed three games back in July, including the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi final against St Helens.

He had suffered a knee injury against St Helens a fortnight ago but that injury had been cleared earlier in the week and the club were confident he would be available for Old Trafford. There is a strong possibility that he will also miss the World Cup with New Zealand but he will have further medical tests next week before a final decision is made.

However, the re-occurrence of the back injury now means that Webb will not be able to even travel across to Manchester to watch the game.

Head Coach Brian McClennan commented, "We are all behind Brent at this time and he is bitterly disappointed to be missing out. We were confident earlier in the week that he would be available but then he suffered a re-occurrence of the back injury in training.

"The last time he suffered it he was out for three to four weeks and it is worse this time. He has been a huge contributor to our team and to getting us to the Grand Final.

"It is probably the worst week in his sporting life, he is devastated to miss out on Old Trafford, having missed the semi final earlier in the year, and also possibly representing the Kiwis in the World Cup. He has wished the boys all the best and he will have to watch the game at home because he is in so much pain that he can not even sit down in comfort. Our medical staff are working with him to help him as much as they can and he knows he has got our full support."

No players will be added to the 19 man squad that was announced.

Meanwhile, In the event of a win for Leeds Rhinos in the engage Super League Grand Final there will be a homecoming at Headingley Carnegie on Sunday afternoon.

Gates will open at 1.30pm to the public with entertainment on the pitch from the Radio Aire Dance team, Ronnie the Rhino and opera singer Martin Toal.

The entire Rhinos squad will be introduced onto the pitch at around 2.15pm along the coaching and backroom staff.

The ticket office and club shop will also be open to the public from 1pm and car parking will be available in Car Park F but spaces will be limited to first come, first served.

Entry to the stadium will only be via the turnstiles on St Michael's Lane adjacent to the club shop and fans will be able to gain access to the Carnegie Stand and Main Stand only.

News Source: www.leedsrugby.com


What Price Super Saints?
Sat October 4, 2008
St Helens are red hot favourites to lift rugby league's Superleague Grand Final against Leeds on Saturday.

William Hill make Saints 2/5 favourites to win the event, with Leeds 7/4. Saints are 4/9 to win in 80 minutes play, with Leeds 9/5 and the draw 16/1.

On the handicap market, Leeds have a seven point start with Hills and are 10/11 on that basis, with Saints also 10/11 and a tie 20/1.

Hills make Saints 8/13 to be in front at the interval, with Leeds 11/8 and the game 12/1 to be level at that stage.

Gardner of Saints is 10/1 favourite to score the first try of the game with Hills who also offer 12 Donald; Meli; 14 McGuire; Pryce; Gidley; Talau; Webb; 16 Senior; Smith; Burrow; Hall; 18 Ablett; 20 Cunningham; Roby.

Long and Pryce are 5/1 joint favourites with Hills to win the Harry Sunderland Award for man of the match and they also offer 10 Burrow; Cunningham; 12 Webb; 14 Graham; Roby; Sinfield; 16 McGuire; Peacock; Wilkin; 20 Ellis.

Fri October 3, 2008
• Rhinos look to make history
  

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