Jon Wilkin has doubled down on his belief that Leeds Rhinos are not a top-four Super League team. The former England and Great Britain international was part of the Sky Sports punditry team for the Rhinos' trip to Hull KR and stood by his belief that Leeds remain some way off being the team some believe they are.
Wilkin caused a storm before the season when he insisted the suggestion Leeds were back to being one of the competition's top forces were premature. Since then, the Rhinos have experienced a season of ups and downs, beating the likes of St Helens and Catalans but losing to strugglers Castleford Tigers and Hull FC.
Wilkin was asked for an update on his opinion during the build-up to the game and having seen the Rhinos end Catalans' unbeaten start last week. But undeterred, Wilkin insisted that his opinion on the Rhinos' prospects had not changed.
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"They have finished fifth two years on the run," he said. "They're a big club that limped into the play-offs and got going at the back end of last year.
"So those comments are based on the reality of where they're at. They're sixth in the table now and I said fourth, fifth or sixth would be a good result for them and I stand by that now."
He continued: "I'm telling you Leeds aren't in the top four clubs of this competition as I see it and I'm happy for them to prove me wrong. I think they're an amazing club, I think they've such a rich history of success and I look at them in awe, but on the field, they're not where they want to be, they're just not."
Wilkin said consistency was one area of concern for the Rhinos, and highlighted the performances of Blake Austin to make his point.
"For me, I watch Leeds, I watch Blake Austin, I'm obsessed with Blake Austin, he's a player you can measure the contributions. Watch Blake Austin against Catalans last week and tell me that's recognisable to the one that faced Hull. Consistent is eight months, ten months of form, and that is the challenge.
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.
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