Leeds scrum-half Rob Burrow believes the defending engage Super League champions have begun to hit their straps at just the right time.

The Rhinos take on table-toppers and Challenge Cup winners St Helens at the Knowsley Road for a place in the October 4 Grand Final.

Treble-chasing Saints are favourites to secure a third successive trip to Old Trafford but Leeds are buoyant after putting together a four-match winning run that took them to within a point of their rivals at the end of the regular season.

"We've picked up our form, which is good because we need to be there or thereabouts at this stage of the season," said Burrow, who was man of the match in Leeds' 33-6 Grand Final win over St Helens a year ago.

"We had a slump - St Helens had theirs at the beginning of the year - but we're back on track now.

"We're confident in what we can do and we're looking forward to the game."

Friday night's losers will have a second chance to book a trip to Old Trafford via next Friday's final eliminator against either Catalans Dragons or Wigan, who meet in the sudden-death semi in Perpignan, and the likelihood is a repeat of last year's decider.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it's Leeds and Saints in the final but Catalans and Wigan are playing well and it could be any of the four teams," said Burrow.

"Hopefully we will be there and it will be a tough game whoever we play."

St Helens forward James Graham also believes it would be folly to dismiss the prospects of Wigan or Catalans.

"The league table suggests it will be between us and Leeds but, if you look at the results in the NRL play-offs this year, it doesn't always work out and anyone who takes Wigan or Catalans lightly would be a fool," he said.

Friday's eagerly-awaited clash is sure to feature this year's Man of Steel, with all three nominees in action.

Graham and his St Helens team-mate Leon Pryce are short-listed alongside 2003 winner Jamie Peacock for the award, which is being decided by a poll of players for the first time since its introduction in 1977.

Peacock is aiming to become only the fourth player to win the award twice and halt the run of three successive recipients from St Helens.

The winner will be announced at the annual Man of Steel Awards dinner in Manchester on September 30.