Former New Zealand coach McClennan is into his second season at Leeds

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan says he knows the pain Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are going through after the death of 20-year-old Leon Walker.

McClennan has revealed he lost a player while coaching at New Zealand side Mount Albert in 2005.

"You never get over it, but what we did was take the great qualities of the player on in the rest of our lives," McClennan told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I'm sure Wakefield are doing the same with both Leon and Adam Watene."

McClennan added: "All the great qualities and strengths Adam and Leon will have brought to the club, you have a duty to carry those good qualities on."

Walker died after collapsing during a reserve team game against Celtic Crusaders at Maesteg.

The Rugby Football League have launched an inquiry and offered counselling to players affected by the tragedy.

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