WAKEFIELD will go to engage Super League leaders St Helens full of confidence tonight after coming so close to breaking their home duck against defending champions Leeds.

The Wildcats have lost all seven games at the GPW Recruitment Stadium – formerly Knowsley Road – since gaining their solitary Super League away win over Saints in 2003 but will be undaunted by the weight of history after being cruelly denied a landmark win over the other ‘big two’ team by a last-minute try a week ago.

Wakefield coach John Kear said: “It was a very good performance, that’s the most heartening thing, that we played so well.

“In our last three games we’ve played teams above us and were equally as good as the opposition so we can take great heart and confidence from those games.

“This is the ultimate test – they are top of the league ladder and they’re on their own ground – but we’ve played all right in the last couple of years over there and we’re not going with any fear or trepidation, we’re going with lots of confidence and belief. We’re relishing the challenge to roll our sleeves up and have a go at them.”

Leeds Rhinos, meanwhile, aim to keep the pressure on Saints when they entertain fourth-placed Hull KR.

The Rhinos have run in 156 points in their last four matches and Rovers coach Justin Morgan is hoping for another high-scoring encounter at Headingley.

“We know we’re likely to have some points scored against us so we’re going to have to score some ourselves,” he said.

Leeds have lost only one of their last nine matches but two of their victories have been dramatic, last-minute affairs, and coach Brian McClennan admits they need to improve if they are to secure a third straight title.

“We are pleased that we are picking up the wins,” he said.

“People have been referring to us being on a run but I don’t think we are yet.”