Leeds Rhinos moved another step closer towards a Super League play-off place with a fifth consecutive victory. The Rhinos survived a late fightback from Warrington Wolves to win 24-18 and climb above Castleford into fifth on the table with three rounds remaining. This is what head coach Rohan Smith said on the key issues coming out of another impressive result for his side.
On the result
I thought we defended our line extremely well for the whole game. I was particularly pleased when the scoreboard got tight, there was a lot at stake and people kept doing their job. I'm probably known for what we can improve on and we will do that, but at this minute it's time to reflect and enjoy the defensive performance. That roar at the end of the game gave me goosebumps and I'm getting them again thinking about it.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos player ratings as Rohan Smith's side continue play-off charge
On Leeds' attack
Our attack was appalling (in the second half). We didn't value possession and we turned it over too much. The other team have a lot of good players, they had a lot of possession and it was hard work. There was a critical moment where we defined our line for a long period of time, we turned them over but we had to defend again. There were a few turning points that meant we had to defend some more but I'm pleased with their defensive connection.
On whether he felt Leeds would lose at any point
No. We looked connected, cohesive. There's a growing temperament amongst the group that when the scoreboard is close, they're not letting that impact them. The next challenge is against a very good team. I've had confidence in this group since I first did my homework on them I knew there was a lot of talent there. The confidence is now growing.
On Liam Tindall's injury
He's got something reasonably serious with his thumb. That's another one we'll have to get checked out and it's a case of next man up again. He's a tough kid, a proper tough kid and he's trying to make the most of his opportunity in the team so he wouldn't have come off if it wasn't serious.
On whether he's looked at the league table
I've allowed myself to be satisfied for the last 20 minutes about our defence and how we won the game. But it's on to the next game. It's how you finish, not how you start.
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