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More of the same from bluey

Dave Hadfield

The extension of Brian McClennan's contract as coach of Leeds makes me even more convinced that the Rhinos are destined for a hat-trick of Super League titles this year.
 Bluey, as they call him, didn't have an easy act to follow in TonY Smith, but his first year in charge showed what a good choice he was.
 The most impressive aspect of him, to my mind, was the way he dealt with the occasional set-back. I've never seen anyone so relaxed about the odd defeat, the occasional sub-standard performance.
 Gary Hetherington is quite right when he says that the stability at Headingley is one of their main advantages going into the 2009 season. Apart from McClennan staying for another two years, there has been minimal change in the playing staff, with Greg Eastwood for Gareth Ellis the main change. He's a very different type of player, but I think Leeds fans will soon warm to him.
 Contrast that with St Helens, who have lost half a dozen players and gained just one – Tony Puletua. Hats off to them for their faith in their young players, but they had better be ready – or Saints will struggle.
 If any team is going to come through the field to mount a challenge to the top two, it could be Hull KR. There too Justin MOrgan has been given the time to plan for the long term and the club has felt the benefit.
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