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Matthew Shaw

Leeds Rhinos - the brilliantly bonkers, infuriatingly inconsistent enigma

What you can say about this Leeds Rhinos team is that they're never dull. They're gloriously bonkers and infuriatingly unpredictable, but they never fail to entertain.

A week after flattering to deceive against Hull KR, a fortnight after blowing Catalans away and three weeks since a lousy effort against Castleford, this week, the Rhinos produced a stunning comeback to defeat last year's Challenge Cup finalists, Huddersfield Giants.

It was a performance that summed up their season so far; atrocious in parts, pulsating in others. The first ten minutes were diabolical, with penalties gifting Huddersfield possession and points. Then they got on a roll and broke the Giants' resolve. After taking the lead, they almost gifted them the game after a terrible defensive effort from which Tui Lolohea broke and Chris McQueen eventually scored.

Read more: Rohan Smith stays silent on controversial Leeds Rhinos decision after RFL request

Rohan Smith, typically diplomatic, described the performance as 'mixed', and that's an accurate, if understated, assessment of this Leeds team so far this season.

It's clear that, when they get going, Leeds are a very, very dangerous team. For all the critique aimed at them, they have wins over St Helens, Catalans Dragons and now Huddersfield Giants, three of last year's top four, under their belt. That's not to be sniffed at.

The issue, though, is that they've also lost to Hull FC and Castleford Tigers this season, two teams desperately struggling at the bottom end of the table. Cas' only other win was against Wakefield, Hull FC's against Cas. Leeds' results suggest they're the most inconsistent team in this division, and their performances back that up.

And that's ultimately the challenge for Leeds now, consistency. It was the same after they beat Catalans and now they get another chance. The next three games provide the Rhinos with a perfect platform to put a run of performances together. Hull FC are in dire straits, Leigh's levels have dropped and Salford are a good, albeit beatable team.

Leeds find themselves in the middle of a cluster of clubs who, if they put a run of wins together, can really put themselves in a strong position to consolidate their place in the top six.

If you're honest about the Rhinos right now, you'd say they're a team capable of achieving anything, yet you wouldn't dare back them due to their inconsistency. If they can sort that out, who knows what could happen this year. However 'if' is the biggest word in sport.

Time will tell. Ultimately we're pretty much a third of the way through the season and Leeds are right in the mix despite not being able to string several performances together. But it does suggest that there is potential for them to have a strong stab at this season as it develops.

Of course, several other clubs will be thinking the same, that goes without saying. But based on all the evidence that presents itself currently, Leeds fans have the right to believe they can push for honours again this year.

If .

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