McClennan's night marred by late slip

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Super League champions produced a bewildering first-half display to establish a 38-0 lead but Wakefield hit back to win the second half 8-6 and restore a touch of pride.

"It was a very, very pleasing first half," said McClennan. "That's the best we've played this year. We were really clinical and put loads of pressure on."

He added: "It was very disappointing in the second half but, on the other hand, Wakefield showed a lot of character to come back and compete like they did. It's hard to compete when the game is gone.

"We're getting too many penalties against us and that's a big concern. It could have been a real happy dressing room but it's a bit sombre."

The Rhinos were more like the Harlem Globetrotters in a purple patch in which they rattled up 34 points in just 17 breathtaking minutes which took the game away from the outclassed Wildcats in an embarrassingly one-sided first half at Belle Vue.

Wakefield were a shadow of the team that beat Bradford in their opening game but they responded to a tongue-lashing from coach John Kear by playing with more determination in the second half, scoring consolation tries through Luke George and Ryan Atkins.

"Perhaps we fell in love with ourselves," said Kear. "We didn't have the edge that we had prior to Bradford and we will have to look at every aspect of our preparation to see if we are doing anything wrong.

"Leeds were very good indeed. They played some real good rugby league with the ball in hand.

"It's a very big lesson for us. If we are to be an elite team, we have got to turn up each week ready to play."