sport

McGuire expecting close game

Danny McGuire has sent out a warning message to his Leeds team-mates by claiming they will need to be at their best if they are to retain their World Club Challenge crown.

The Rhinos beat Manly last year in the same fixture and are full of confidence on the back of a 42-14 triumph over Salford last week.

The half-back knows the club better than most - having been on the books since the age of 13 - but realises the size of the challenge when Leeds take on Melbourne Storm this Friday.

He said: "Both teams have got very good forward packs. It's going to be a tight game where a try here or there will decide it.

"Hopefully it's us celebrating with the trophy at the end."

The Super League champions last faced Melbourne in 2010 - then at Elland Road - where they were defeated 18-10 and are looking to inflict revenge on the NRL champions.

McGuire knows his side can take heart from last year's victory over Manly and believes the atmosphere created inside a sold-out Headingley can spur them on.

He said: "Last year's game against Manly was very intense, and the atmosphere here at Headingley was one of the best I have been involved in. I can imagine it's going to be something very similar."

Update:

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