Leeds Rhinos travel to Hull Kingston Rovers tonight aiming to build on last weekend’s stirring victory over Catalans Dragons. Rohan Smith’s men had lost three of their opening five games in a mixed to the season before the 32-22 comeback win over the Dragons hinted at their potential.
Now the challenge for the Rhinos is to find the consistency required to establish themselves as genuine contenders again. Here, Leeds Live assesses a number of factors surrounding Smith’s team heading into this evening’s match.
Can they back up the Catalans victory?
It is an intriguing thought. If Leeds can play like they did in the second half against on a regular basis, what might they be capable of in 2023? Even in the first half last weekend they produced some superb rugby and were unfortunate to be 22-8 down at the break.
Read more: Hull KR coach wary of Leeds Rhinos' momentum swingers ahead of second meeting
But they have been maddeningly inconsistent so far this term, winning three and losing of their opening six games. Prior to beating Steve McNamara’s high-flying Dragons, the Rhinos had been fairly awful in losing to lowly Castleford Tigers.
Will the real Leeds Rhinos please stand up? They have talent, youth and experience in every department and the challenge for Smith’s team now is to produce their best week in and week out. Starting in tonight’s televised clash at Hull KR.
Big Mik return a major boost
The Poland-born prop forward is one of the most popular players in the Rhinos’ squad and his return will be welcomed with open arms. It will give head coach Smith a headache too, though, as Leeds’ pack performed well against Catalans last week.
Tom Holroyd has enjoyed a fine start to the season, scoring two tries in the past three games, while new recruits Sam Lisone and Justin Sangare have also showed signs of their destructive powers and Sam Walters has similarly performed well. But homegrown Oledzki – fit again after a shoulder problem – has proved one of Leeds’ most reliable performers in recent seasons.
He was their only ever-present last term and his return to fitness is a boost to club and country.
Newman progress ahead of France Test
One of Super League’s most talented young players, Harry Newman underlined his ability again last week with two tries against Catalans. He was also sinbinned for dissent which could have proved costly and subsequently admitted it is an area of his game he must improve.
That Newman is a fierce competitor is undeniable. His passion for the game is clear and when he scores a try he usually celebrates with so much gusto. That he needs to learn to keep a cool head in the heat of battle is similarly beyond his dispute.
Rhinos boss Smith and England head coach Shaun Wane have warned Newman about his temperament with England’s mid-season international against France looming.
Sezer and Austin futures beyond this season
As former Canberra Raiders team-mates, Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin were reunited at Headingley at the start of last season. As talented individuals, theirs is a half-back partnership which has sparked into life only in fits and starts in a Leeds jersey.
Yet Austin was simply outstanding last week against Catalans, arguably enjoying his best game in a Leeds jersey as the French side were reduced to rubble at a raucous Headingley. Centre stage was his, but Sezer similarly enjoyed a fine game alongside him.
With both men in their thirties – and their contracts due to expire later this year – will either player be at Leeds next season? It will be interesting to see how the Rhinos approach their half-back situation heading into the 2024 campaign, with Jack Sinfield rated extremely highly at Headingley but still a talent. The 18-year-old made five Super League appearances last season, but has yet to feature this term.
After a controversial swap deal that has got people talking, the latest House of League episode welcomes Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity CEOs Paul Lakin and Michael Carter, who give their take on the Corey Hall/Will Dagger trade, plus lots more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
Read next
Kruise Leeming update as Rohan Smith confirms Leeds Rhinos stance on hooker's exit
Wakefield re-sign Huddersfield winger Innes Senior on loan for third occasion
Keighley Cougars hold Government meeting in bid to oppose IMG's rugby league revamp
Shaun Wane issues Harry Newman warning after discussing Leeds star's England prospects
Catalans Dragons halfback Mitchell Pearce linked with shock NRL return
