It might be a slight exaggeration to say that Thursday’s visit of Catalans Dragons is must-win for Leeds Rhinos – but it would not be too far wide of the mark.
After opening their Super League campaign with two straight defeats, Richard Agar’s side need to ensure that a poor start does not become a truly awful one.
Leeds were unlucky against Warrington Wolves in their opening game at Headingley, losing narrowly in an historic encounter in front of the Channel 4 cameras.
But they were a distinct second-best against Wigan Warriors on Friday and the manner of their second-half surrender – so insipid – left them looking anything but title aspirants.
It is getting on for five years since the Rhinos were last crowned Super League champions and that is a long time for a club who have gorged on silverware for much of the past two decades.
Eight Grand Final wins, three Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenge victories since 2004 mark it out as a special era inspired by a golden generation of homegrown stars.
The close-season acquisition of four high-profile signings – David Fusitu’a, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer and James Bentley – encouraged hopes that Leeds were ready to re-emerge as genuine title challengers again this season.
But the way in which they were systematically taken to the cleaners at the DW Stadium raised plenty of questions about Agar’s side.
Particularly as many of the questions raised came from the head coach himself.
Worryingly, Agar admitted that he could sense his men were not up for it during the half-time interval at the DW Stadium.
At that point, Leeds trailed only 12-6 but then capitulated in the second half.
Agar said afterwards: “We sensed a bit at half-time we weren't getting much response and they duly obliged in the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
“Defensively we were so far off in line speed, contact and hit, and it was a really poor and flat defensive performance.
“We had some really poor individual performances, really poor, some errors that if you want to play any team in this competition you're not going to get away with the fundamental errors we made. It was a poor showing from us.
“I said before the game we have guys that are miffed they weren't selected last week and judging on today's performance some guys are trying to play their way out of the team.
“But we'll see what we've got and what's available to us before we make any rash calls after the emotion of a disappointing performance.”
To make matters worse, Ash Handley left the field with a hip problem and Cameron Smith was withdrawn with a back injury.
The injuries compounded Agar’s problems with a number of players either banned or injured right now, including Bentley and trusty full-back Richie Myler, while Rhyse Martin is also currently absent due to being on compassionate leave.
The Rhinos will again be missing a number of players when Catalans visit Headingley on Thursday.
But every club has injuries and suspensions to contend with and Agar himself has spoken recently about the depth now at his disposal.
A third straight loss in round three would leave Leeds floundering and be another blow to morale and confidence.
Conversely, a win against the title-chasing Dragons would kickstart their campaign at the third time of asking and prove to people – and indeed themselves – that Agar’s side can be a force this season.
Austin showed glimpses of his undoubted ability on his debut against Wigan, scoring a fine individual try, and Leeds followers will hope his partnership with Sezer will click.
Thursday is a big game for Leeds and a win could provide the launchpad for their season.
