Graphic: Engage Super League Grand Final: St Helens v Leeds Rhinos

Such is his pain after the recurrence of a back injury that Brent Webb, the Leeds Rhinos full back, will watch this evening’s engage Super League Grand Final against St Helens at home on television. Lee Smith, who escaped suspension this week, will switch from the wing and Ryan Hall, 20, comes in to the starting side for his first experience of a final.

Webb’s withdrawal is not only a severe blow to the defending champions; he is also likely to miss the forthcoming World Cup for New Zealand. “The last time he suffered it he was out for three to four weeks and it’s worse this time,” Brian McClennan, the Leeds coach, said. “He’s been a huge contributor to our team and getting us to the final. It’s probably the worst week in his sporting life.”

Smith, a tryscorer in the defeat of St Helens at Old Trafford 12 months ago, who avoided a ban for kicking out at a Wigan Warriors opponent during the final eliminator, deputised for Webb at full back in the 26-16 Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final defeat in July — one of three St Helens victories to Leeds’ one in previous meetings this year.

A repeat of the 38-10 thrashing by Saints in the qualifying semi-final is unlikely, but the scale of that defeat will examine Leeds’ powers of recovery. The absence of Webb’s flair has denied them a key weapon, although the forecast rain could inhibit attacking instincts all-round.

Both side have opted for heavyweights on the bench, but it is the ability of James Roby and Maurie Fa’asavalu, the England pair, to transform games that sums up Saints’ most potent strength. Atoning for the 33-6 thrashing in the 2007 final and winning a sixth trophy under Daniel Anderson in the Australian’s last game as coach are powerful incentives.

“I don’t feel any sentiment,” Anderson said. “I’ve had a couple of send-offs in the town and I’ve enjoyed training. The boys have probably been giving me a bit more stick because they know they can get away with it.”