Cooper: Leeds' Grand Final experience gives them the edge (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Wolves face being edged out by Grand Final specialists Leeds Rhinos

2:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Wolves news By Christopher Terris Taylor

MIKE Cooper believes Leeds Rhinos’ past Old Trafford experience puts them at an advantage over Grand Final debutants Warrington Wolves on Saturday.

Wolves may have got the better of Super League’s reigning champions the last two times they have met in big finals, enjoying Challenge Cup victories in 2010 and August this year, but powerful forward Cooper admitted that Leeds’ record of five Grand Final wins in the last eight seasons gives them the edge this time.

“They have the ability to win these play-off games and games in which people write them off,” he said.

“As they proved last year, they never say die and they know how to win these finals.”

But do not expect Wolves to show their opponents too much respect, as having two Challenge Cup wins under their belt – as well as a few Grand Final winners of their own in Adrian Morley (Bradford 2005, Sydney Roosters 2002), Micky Higham (St Helens 2002), Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers 2003), Brett Hodgson (Wests Tigers 2005), Tony Smith (Leeds Rhinos 2004, 2007) and Willie Poching (Leeds 2004) – will ensure that the pressure of the occasion and the experience of their opponents will not throw Wolves off their game.

“We have got too many experienced heads in our team to let it get to us and I expect that to show at the weekend,” said Cooper.

“We play an expansive style and our backs can throw the ball about superbly, so providing us in the pack have enough firepower and we defend well as a team, we will be fine.”