Webb blow for Leeds on eve of Final

(GETTY IMAGES)

Leeds have suffered one of the worst possible blows on the eve of the Engage Super League Grand Final with the loss of Brent Webb.

The New Zealand full-back had got over a knee injury, but has suffered a recurrence of a back problem that kept him out earlier this season.

"He will have to watch the game at home because he's in so much pain," said his coach, Brian McClennan.

"He's been a huge contributor to our team and to getting it into the Grand Final, so this is probably the worst week of his playing career."

Webb's place in the Kiwis' World Cup squad is also in doubt, although that issue will not be resolved until he has further tests on the injury next week.

For tomorrow's appointment against St Helens at Old Trafford, McClennan has decided against bringing any new players into his squad. That points to him moving Lee Smith to full-back, with Ryan Hall coming in on the wing.

Capable young players though they are, the loss of Webb is a major set-back, not just for his defensive capabilities but also for the amount of play-making he does in midfield.

The only decision Daniel Anderson has to make in his last game as St Helens coach is whether to play Jason Cayless or Nick Fozzard at prop. He is adamant that Cayless - a Kiwi team-mate of Webb - is fully fit after a knee injury, so might lean towards him.

With either of them in the front row, Saints start as obvious favourites, but so they were last year, before losing 33-6 to an inspired Leeds.

Some Saints players have admitted that they were almost too confident last season, but there has been no sign of the same failing this time.

Wales have added three players - Gil Dudson and Barrie Phillips from the Celtic Crusaders and Rhys Griffiths, who is on Castleford's books - to their squad for the international against England at Doncaster next Friday. They replace Matt James and Bryn Powell.

Huddersfield have signed the hooker, Shaun Lunt, from Workington on a three-year contract, whilst Whitehaven's long-serving full-back, Gary Broadbent has joined Barrow.