Leeds coach Brian McClennan has given his backing to the new engage Super League play-offs, even though the Rhinos will have to work harder if they are to retain their crown this time.

The play-off series was widened to include the top eight teams after Super League went from 12 to 14 clubs and means at least one extra match for the top two.

Victory over fourth-placed Hull KR in the first qualifying play-off at Headingley on Friday night would earn the champions a week off but they would still face a semi-final in a fortnight's time.

Under the old six-team system, Friday's winners would have automatically gone straight through to an Old Trafford showdown but McClennan is delighted with the change.

"I think the supporters are really going to enjoy the new eight-team play-off format," he said.

"In three weeks' time I think there will be a real appetite for the Grand Final amongst supporters in general and, of course, the two teams who make the final weekend. They will be ripe and ready for the final.

"The fact that the two Grand Finalists will have both played the week before makes this a great system and it means that you have to perform at your very best over the next month if you are going to be crowned champions."

Leeds have the momentum as they eye what would be a record third successive Super League title.

They go into Friday night's game on the back of five consecutive wins whereas Hull KR's own winning run came to an abrupt end at Wakefield last Saturday.

"That's typical Leeds," said Rovers scrum-half Michael Dobson. "They peak at the right time of the year.

"They are playing some good footie at the moment and all their big players are playing well. They're going to be hard team to crack but we reckon we can give them a run for their money."

The Rhinos are virtually at full strength with the return of Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Keith Senior, Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire, who all sat out last week's win at Salford.

"All four are big players for us and the play-offs is a time when you need your experienced players to perform," added McClennan.

"There is definitely a lift in intensity this week in training because we are entering the play-offs and every one of our players knows what is required of them for us to reach our goal this season."

The play-offs continue on Saturday, with St Helens meeting Huddersfield in the other qualifying tie and Wakefield hosting Catalans Dragons in an eliminating play-off, while on Sunday Wigan are at home to Castleford.