The Rhinos become the first Super League club to win the World Club Championship and Grand Final in the same season. And Brian McClennan's side became the first Leeds outfit to win back to back Championships.

Two weeks ago St Helens dished out a drubbing that led many to believe the Rhinos were on a hiding to nothing. Just over 24 hours before the kick-off they were deprived of the services of Brent Webb, the many the world's best full back, due to a back injury.

To overcome the morale-sapping effect of the first is a tribute to the man management skills of McClennan and the character of his squad; for the second, Drighlington-produced Lee Smith moved to full back and produced the finest 80 minutes of his career, receiving the Harry Sunderland Trophy for outstanding player of the match.

Close behind Smith were captain Kevin Sinfield, who ensured his side stuck to the game plan, kicked four goals from four attempts and kept Saints pinned back with a succession of astute kicks; and Danny McGuire who went in for two second half tries and dominated the battle with Leon Pryce at stand off.

The Leeds game plan was tailored to the atrocious conditions – as it had in a similar situation against Melbourne Storm back in February – being based on ferocious defence and keeping their opponents pegged back, forcing them to attack from deep in their own half.

Saints could never be written off. Indeed, the way Sean Long opened up the defence with an astute pass to the rampaging Lee Gilmour to create the opening try for James Graham after just five minutes gave cause to worry that it could be a long night.

But Jamie Jones-Buchanan, blood oozing through a bandaged head, slipped a short pass for Smith to score and with half-time approaching Keith Senior palmed a pass to Ryan Hall who did well to kick ahead and win the race to the line. Sinfield's conversion gave a crucial 12-6 lead at the break.

Daniel Anderson's ferocious team talk at half-time had an immediate effect as Matt Gidley went in at the corner and Long levelled the scores. McGuire was alert to Sinfield's short kick through to score his first try, but again Saints came back as Ade Gardner touched down. Long missed the conversion and Leeds held a slender two-point advantage.

That was soon extended to eight as Francis Meli could not take Sinfield's high kick to the corner, McGuire picked up and showed his balance and sidestep to beat Paul Wellens. Sinfield kicked the conversion and the Rhinos were 18 minutes from making history.

Although there was no more scoring, Leeds' dominance grew as their defence never faltered in its intensity. The celebrations at the final hooter were fully deserved.