by Our Sports Desk

SHAUN WANE regards Leeds as the best team in Super League but is confident his Wigan side will push them all the way tonight as they aim to complete a hat-trick of victories over the Rhinos.

Leeds began the Super 8s in top spot and showed no signs of a Challenge Cup hangover as they strengthened their position with a 49-10 rout of Warrington in their opener.

The Rhinos beat Wigan in the first meeting between the two teams in March but lost to the Warriors at Magic Weekend before being edged out at the DW Stadium last month.

A third win for Wigan at Headingley Carnegie tonight would move them level on points with Leeds and boost their chances of securing a home semi-final in the play-offs.

“Leeds are the best team in the competition and were outstanding last week against Warrington,” said Wane.

“They’re getting a lot of praise and quite rightly so. They’re very consistent and are playing a fantastic brand of rugby.

“I want us to go there and compete and give them a game. If we do that I’ll be happy.

“We’ve not had a complete performance this year, not even in the two Leeds games. There’s lots of improvement left in us.

“Leeds are very tough to beat at home but we’ve done it before.”

Wane has included Ryan Sutton in his 19-man squad in place of injured winger Joe Burgess, while fit-again Ben Flower is expected to play.

Back-rowers Stevie Ward and Mitch Achurch are set to feature for Leeds as they look to prove their fitness ahead of the cup final on August 29.

“It’s always a massive game when we play Wigan,” Ward said.