It's hard to know what you're going to get as a Leeds Rhinos fan right now. It's difficult not to have a sense of trepidation before every game.
Since Rohan Smith's arrival, they have been mesmeric and they have capitulated. For every slick attacking display, there's been a fragile defensive one. When they've been good, they've been excellent. When they've been bad, they've largely been woeful.
It's to be expected there will be teething problems when a new coach comes in. There will always be a bedding-in period which can trigger inconsistency.
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But Leeds are six games into Smith's era now and the challenge from here is to find a level of consistency that will allow them to climb up the table. As it stands, Leeds give their fans reason for optimism one week then bring them back down to earth emphatically the next. Saturday's trip to Newcastle is a good opportunity to begin changing that perception.
Following a stunning display at the expense of Hull FC last week, the Rhinos now take on a woefully injury-ravaged Castleford Tigers side. Lee Radford is without Jake Trueman and Paul McShane, his two most influential players, and at least another three who would play if fit. Such are Cas' injury issues, there's talk of winger Greg Eden playing stand-off.
Leeds themselves are far from full strength; the loss of Kruise Leeming to a foot injury is a bitter blow. But there's no shying away from the fact this game is an opportunity Leeds need to take as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the top six.
The Rhinos could find themselves within a point of the play-offs if results go their way this weekend but could also find themselves five adrift. With ten rounds to go, time is starting to run out.
How they handle Leeming's absence is intriguing. He was woefully missed when the Rhinos were beaten at Huddersfield last month and they have to prove they can still be a running threat without their influential leader. He has three tries and five assists in five appearances under the new head coach and his speed around the ruck has been a key trait in Smith's style of play.
Similar to last week, they simply must deliver in what is a huge game for their play-off prospects. They excelled under pressure last time out, now they need to do it again. If they do, the top six will be at their fingertips.
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