Arthur: We'll have to be at the top of our game to claim ultimate prize

Leeds Rhinos have a genuine chance of becoming champions this year, coach Brad Arthur reckons, but they have to be at their absolute best for three successive games.

- by Peter Smith

Rhinos, who finished fourth in Betfred Super League, begin their playoff campaign at home to fifth-placed St Helens tonight. The winners will travel to one of the top two next weekend and the Grand Final is at Old Trafford in two weeks' time, on Saturday, October 11.

Leeds have beaten all the other five playoff teams at least once this year, but also lost to four of them and Arthur believes the title will go to the side who “own the big moments”.

Assessing Rhinos' chances, he said: “We have fared really well against all the teams in and around the six, but in saying that, we've had to be at our best. If they are at their best, they have a chance of winning - a bounce of the ball, or a big moment, you have got to try and own as many of them as you can.”