Nathan Brown excited at prospect of tackling champions Leeds (From St Helens Star)

Nathan Brown excited at prospect of tackling champions Leeds

9:48am Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport By Mike Critchley

SAINTS boss Nathan Brown does not believe that Friday night’s opponents Leeds will be adversely affected by their loss to Melbourne Storm.

Reigning Super League champions Leeds were beaten by the NRL premiers in a tough game at Headingley.

But often, as has been shown in Saints’ case in the past, the intensity of the game can bring the team up to a sharper level rather than physically drain their tank.

Brown is looking forward to seeing his side tackle the Rhinos.

He said: “I am always excited about playing Leeds – it was the same when I was at Huddersfield – as they are generally the champions from the year before.

“Everyone wants to play them and play well don’t they? Brian Mac does a great job, they have lots of really experienced players who have been good for a long period of time. People get excited to play Leeds. Everyone wants to beat them.”

Looking back at the Rhinos v Storm encounter Brown added: “I know it was a good game and they competed great. It was a good contest (last Friday), but it won’t have lost them confidence.”