Rhinos' players were back in training today after having last weekend off – only their second without a game in 2008.

McClennan's side – whose previous blank weekend was in January, when they were on a pre-season training camp in Florida – complete their regular engage Super League campaign away to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Friday night.

"The players have had four days off and that will have helped us without a doubt," said McClennan.

"It is the first time we've been able to do that since the beginning of the year and most of the players and staff were able to get away somewhere and just tune out of football for a while.

"We will come back nice and refreshed and we'll be able to prepare for the rest of the season."

Rhinos' season began a week earlier than most of their rivals, due to their involvement in the Carnegie World Club Challenge.

Their run to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup meant they played right through and McClennan added: "We've been through a stressful time, around the quarters and the semi-finals of the cup.

"We seemed to have been through that stage of travelling a lot, we were down on troops and we had tough games against Harlequins, Wigan and Saints in the Challenge Cup.

"We had Millennium Magic, then we were straight down to Harlequins the next weekend, so that was a good part of 18 hours spent sitting on a bus.

"We've had Catalans away as well, so it has been a taxing time, but we have come through it and we've been able to consolidate.

"We've been able to play a couple of games at home, then we had Wigan away, which isn't far.

"Now having had a break, we are feeling good. Personally, I feel really refreshed after last weekend and speaking to the players, everyone's excited about having been able to recharge their batteries."

Rhinos will have another free weekend, from September 12-14, when the Super League play-offs begin.

They will take on St Helens in a qualifying semi-final on September 19, with the losers having a second chance at home seven days later, before the Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 4.

Long-term casualties Ryan Bailey (ankle) and Jamie Jones-Buchanan (hamstring) were both expected to train today, but McClennan said they will not be rushed back.

"They were training with the team last week and doing fine," said the coach.

"There's a reasonable chance they will be available this week, but we are not going to put anyone out on Friday unless we believe they are 100 per cent right."

Meanwhile, clubs are now free to approach players coming out of contract at rival sides.

Bradford Bulls are set to confirm that they have signed Rhinos prop Nick Scruton, while Leeds reserve hooker Ben Kaye is poised to join Harlequins for next season.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are keen on Rhinos forward Simon Worrall, though he is hoping to agree a new contract at Headingley Carnegie and are also monitoring French Test back-rower Eric Anselme, who is on loan at Leeds from Albi.