Quote: Exeter Rhino "It is clear that stopping Clark will be a major concern for Leeds, much like stopping Tomkins for Wigan a few years ago. This is especially the case as we've tended to be opened up in the middle of the field rather than on the fringes in several of the bigger games we've lost this year. But of course over-focusing on one player could well be our downfall. Adopting a Wane style tactic of niggling players around the ruck could be an option to slow Cas down - albeit a high risk one in a final! Not sure the Leeds players other than Bailey would be up for this anyway.
I'm not sure if the greater big match experience at Leeds will be much help on this occasion - winning at Wembley is evidently a different kettle of fish to winning at Old Trafford (or even the WCC), in which we tend to be able to tough it out in the last 20 minutes. Leeds must start well - in past CC finals we have been unable to overhaul big first-half leads built up by the opposition. If we're more than two scores behind at half time I can't see us coming back.'"
Good post.
Clarks the danger man. one minute he's there, next he's gone. Such a quality hooker. Leeds will have to slow Cas down and if they can do that and be as disciplined as they were against Wire, Leeds stand a great chance.
But i'd suggest Leeds' big match experience will help lots. They've been to wembley before, know what to expect etc. Whereas Cas don't. Cas may implode under the pressure. Who knows. Leeds want the last monkey off their backs, Cas want to taste glory bad. Plenty of reasons for both to win. I just think Sinfield may pop up with another rousing bout of leadership which may edge it.