At times you have to eat your own words and this is one of those for yours truly. When I suggested that avoiding injuries was a more realistic proposition for Leeds Rhinos than beating Hull KR, I was firmly of the belief that Leeds would have little hope of winning given they would have four teenagers in their side and a dozen key men out against a team that had won six on the bounce.
How wrong I was.
In my defence, I've been criticised by some Leeds fans for dismissing the suggestion that this team has lacked effort during their lousy start to the year. I stand by that belief now. I haven't once watched a Leeds team lacking effort this year, but one woefully short of quality and at times, a bit of character.
Read more: Highlights as Leeds Rhinos nil Hull KR for back-to-back wins
Truthfully, it was their effort that won them this game. Were Leeds silky, clinical and attractive with the ball? Some will disagree after a win but they weren't. Despite having the weight of possession against a Hull KR side who didn't complete at 50 per cent in the first half, Leeds won the game from two grubber kicks Rovers made a meal of. Ben Crooks gifted Matt Prior a try after dropping a kick on four minutes and Morgan Gannon's try came from two Rovers players leaving it for the other. Without trying to be a killjoy, Leeds didn't outplay or outclass Hull KR.
But what they did do was out-enthuse them. Leeds completed more sets, defended with energy and chased kicks with intent. They were full of energy and full of spirit. Their goal-line defence was much better and, particularly in the second-half, their last play execution was very good. Those things go a long way to winning rugby league games but they have been lacking at times this year.
Without trying to take the gloss off a win, it has to be said that Hull KR were atrocious, not that it really matters. The point is, looking at the bigger picture, the Rhinos will have to do more than just the basics if they're going to keep on winning games.
As is often the case, things aren't as bad as they seem, nor are things as good as they can feel. Nobody should be getting carried away after last night but one thing for certain is that Leeds fans should enjoy it after what they've endured so far this season.
As for me, I'll continue to eat humble pie.
