LEEDS Rhinos international centre Keith Senior is expecting Huddersfield Giants to be in the mix when it comes to the fight for a Grand Final place.
The Huddersfield-born Great Britain star, who coaches in his hometown at St Joseph’s, was at the Galpharm on Monday having been named in Super League’s Dream Team for the 2009 season.
He said he would not be surprised if the Giants were pushing for a place at Old Trafford on October 10.
“The Giants have had a great season and the fact that they have two players in the Dream Team (skipper Brett Hodgson and hooker Scott Moore) shows that they are heading in the right direction,” said the 33-year-old (pictured).
“The Challenge Cup final defeat was a big disappointment for them, but they managed to come back from that and have ended up taking third place in Super League.
“That has got to be a massive achievement for the club, but I honestly don’t think they are finished this season by a long shot.
“They will be looking to go into the play-offs and end their season on a high – especially after the disappointment of Wembley.”
Leeds have already got their hands on some silverware having secured the League Leaders Shield by topping Super League, but Senior said the Rhinos were focused on the big prize and winning the champions crown for the third season running.
“It was good to finish top but we have definitely got our view on the bigger picture,” said Senior.
“We simply have got a Grand Final to get to and hopefully we will get there and win it again.”
For Senior his Dream Team call saw him repeat a feat he achieved in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and he was pleased to have gained recognition again.
“It has been a while, maybe four or five years since I was last in the Dream Team and it is great to be recognised for the work you have put in over a long hard season,” he said.
“The personal accolade is great, but we have still got some hard work to do and we know it is going to be a tough challenge against Hull KR tomorrow night.
“Rovers are one of the form teams in the competition at the moment and we know that we are going to have to be on top of our game if we are to get through.”
