Leeds Rhinos have suffered from a stuttering start to the Super League season. However, they showed glimpses of what they can do in a comfortable 34-6 victory over the Castleford Tigers at Headingley Stadium yesterday.
Leeds second-rower, Rhyse Martin, produced a virtuoso performance, scoring two tries and kicking five goals as the Rhinos eased to a win. The result lifted the Rhinos into Super League’s top six, temporarily at least, with Salford Red Devils playing London Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
The win also served to ease some of the immediate pressure which was building on head coach, Rohan Smith. In the week in which Leeds announced they would be recruiting a new Sporting Director, Smith has faced repeated questions about whether he is under pressure following a string of poor results.
Speaking after yesterday’s game, Smith stated his belief that Leeds were moving in the right direction in Super League.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Smith was asked whether yesterday’s win over a poor Tigers side just papered over the cracks. Smith disagreed, stating he believed that Leeds showed a lot of courage in their win. He believes that his Leeds side are a work in progress, and there is a long way to go in the Super League season.
“That was a strong performance today, regardless of who you’re playing against. There’s noise that’s been generated by people outside of this building, so to have to deflect that and fight through it, I think it shows a lot of courage and connection as a group to come and play like that today.
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