Leeds aim to increase pressure on Saints

Leeds Rhinos are looking to keep up the pressure on league leaders St Helens when they face Hull FC this evening (Saturday) at the KC Stadium.

Saints lost to Salford City Reds last night, meaning that the Rhinos can close the gap to just two points with a win.

Leeds have won their last three games in the engage Super League, and beat Hull 46-16 at Headingley Carnegie Stadium in May.

\”We\’ve picked up some wins and we just want that to carry on,\” said coach Brian McClennan.

\”It hasn\’t increased our confidence because we were already very confident in our ability and we just have to keep moving forward.\”

Leeds will be without Ryan Bailey who is replaced by Kallum Watkins after failing a fitness test, while Matt Diskin returns and Keith Senior plays his 500th career game.

Hull have lost 10 of their last 13 games and coach Richard Agar is expecting a tough test against the in-form champions, saying, \”If they breach your defensive line they tend to convert it into six points.

\”It\’s not just the fact they have an excellent goalkicker, but so much speed and the support play is so good. That provides a massive challenge for our defence.\”

The home side will be without Motu Tony who requires surgery due to an insect bite while Ewan Dowes suffered an injury in training.

Chris Thorman or Richard Horne will play at full back but Hull have not recalled Craig Hall from his loan spell at Co-operative Championship Widnes Vikings.