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Challenge Cup final: Danny McGuire all set for Wembley

Danny McGuire Leeds Rhinos
Image: Danny McGuire is due to make his 400th appearance in Saturday's Challenge Cup final

Leeds Rhinos half-back Danny McGuire says he will never tire of the big stage as he prepares for his 400th appearance.

McGuire is expected to reach his personal landmark in Saturday's Challenge Cup final against Hull KR.

The 32-year-old has played a huge role in Leeds' successes over the last decade, with six Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenges and last year's Challenge Cup victory to his name.

The Rhinos are hoping to retain their trophy at Wembley as part of a rare treble, as they also close in on the league leaders' shield and a place in the Super League Grand Final.

Danny McGuire crosses for Leeds Rhinos in their Super 8s clash against Wigan Warriors
Image: McGuire is the Super League's leading try-scorer with 254 touchdowns

"As a player, it's what you strive for," said McGuire. "You want to play in the big games. I've been fortunate to play in a great team with some great players and we've another chance to add to the cabinet on Saturday.

"But it won't be easy. Hull KR have got threats all over the park so we need to play well to get the victory."

Jamie Peacock of Leeds Rhinos looks on during the First Utility Super League match between Leeds Rhinos and Widnes Vikings
Image: Jamie Peacock will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of the year

Leeds are firm favourites to complete a hat-trick last achieved by St Helens in 2006 and McGuire admits that would provide a fitting farewell for front-row forwards Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai, who are both retiring at the end of the year.

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"We've had some great teams over the years but this is one of the best without a doubt, and the guys that are leaving have been huge parts of the success of the last 10 years or so," McGuire said.

McGuire is Super League's all-time leading try scorer with 254 touchdowns in his 372 appearances for the Rhinos, but he is more of a playmaker than poacher these days and admits he is enjoying himself as much as ever.

"It's probably a bit to do with slowing down and having the young whipper-snappers at the side of me to finish things off," said McGuire.

"I used to get more satisfaction out of scoring but I probably get the same satisfaction from creating tries for players now. I feel I've developed into a more all-round player."

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