If you were pushed for one word to describe Leeds Rhinos' season so far, underwhelming would probably be a fair choice. Five games into the season, the Rhinos haven't particularly impressed during what is becoming a frustratingly typical slow start to the season for supporters.
It's been far from disastrous, nowhere near as bad as Dave Furner's short-lived reign or last year's diabolical start, but Leeds haven't really displayed anything of substance to really build excitement so far.
Last week's defeat to Castleford was a firm indication of how far Leeds still have to go. An excellent win, albeit against an under-par St Helens team, followed by a comfortable display over winless Wakefield perhaps glossed over the fact that results had been a shade better than the performances. However, last week was a harsh reality check. When you consider Castleford, winless before toppling the Rhinos, have now been emphatically thumped by Huddersfield and Warrington on either side of that win, it shows Leeds' performance levels are some way off where they'll need to be.
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Albeit, the same applies to several clubs. Few have really laid their marker down and the reality is Leeds will be level with fourth-placed Hull KR if they can defeat Catalans, despite the fact they've yet to really get going.
But they have to get going now, and that's the thing. Nobody expects flawless performances at this stage of the season but you do hope to see gradual improvement. Were Leeds any better against Castleford than they were Warrington? If they were, it was marginal. There have perhaps been subtle improvements but nothing near the trajectory Rohan Smith or the supporters would have been hoping for.
The reality is if they don't improve against Catalans, one of only two sides unbeaten so far, they will be on the end of a heavy scoreline that will result in rightful concern and frustration. The Dragons have done superbly to win all their games when you consider that Sam Tomkins, Mitchell Pearce and Siosiua Taukeiaho, three of their biggest earners, have barely played.
Leeds must simply be better, not only to prove that they are on the right path but also to give themselves a chance of winning the game. If the Rhinos fall short again the start of the campaign will have to go down as a very disappointing one.
Catalans will inevitably target Leeds' middle. That's what they do. And we know that Leeds have given up yards too often and too easy. Smith likes his defensive line to remain connected and he is happy to give up line speed to ensure that. But to counteract it, Leeds' middles must win their first contacts. That isn't easy to do against a pack of giants like Catalans, but if they don't, they're going to be defending their own line too often and attacking from deep frequently.
But Leeds need to be more clinical in attack too. They were wasteful against Hull FC and offered very little against Castleford. The highlight of that St Helens game was their expansive play and ability to create opportunities, more of that is needed against an aggressive, but less mobile, Catalans team.
The latest House of League is out now. Matthew Shaw is joined by a variety of guests to discuss Kruise Leeming's shock Leeds Rhinos exit, Wakefield Trinity's pitch saga and more. You can listen to the full show below or alternatively subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music.
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