Leeds Rhinos fans have been urged to “bring that extra fire” to Friday’s make-or-break showdown with Warrington Wolves.

The winners of Rhinos’ first home Betfred Super League semi-final since 2017 will secure a place at Old Trafford eight days later, but it is season over for the beaten team. Though Rhinos finished one place above Warrington in the table, on points difference, the visitors are in better recent form.

Losses in their last three regular-season games at AMT Headingley cost Rhinos the league leaders’ shield and captain Ash Handley admits execution let them down in the finale against Hull FC. However, he insists the team have been working hard on that - and an expected big crowd also has a part to play.

Leeds Rhinos' Ash Handley and Ben Currie, of Warrington Wolves, with the Betfred Super League trophy at Old Trafford. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

“Execution was off, we could have probably had four or five tries in the first 15-20 minutes,” he said of the 18-12 defeat by the black and whites. “It’s just that we need to nail and we need the crowd behind us. We want Headingley packed out and really bringing that extra fire for us and hopefully we’ll get the job done and be at Old Trafford.”

Rhinos had a bye through the first round of play-offs, when Warrington overcame defending champions Hull KR. Handley feels, with numerous players carrying knocks at the end of a long campaign, Leeds will be better for the break.

“It works for us”. the skipper reflected. “I know a lot of people are maybe saying ‘wouldn’t you like to carry on playing?’, but I think for us - where we are at the moment - it is probably beneficial for us to have the week off.”