Ash Handley admits he is intrigued to see how the Rohan Smith era unfolds at Leeds Rhinos – and is confident they will get stronger as the season unfolds. Smith recently took charge at the eight-time Super League champions and has so far presided over one loss and one win.
Next up is a trip to Warrington Wolves on Friday to face a side who have been almost as inconsistent as the Rhinos in 2022. Leeds will have enjoyed a fortnight’s break in between their home win over Wakefield Trinity on May 20 and the trip to Warrington this week.
Homegrown winger Handley told Rugby League live: “Having some time off has been quite beneficial for the team because we’ve got a few boys back now and quite a healthy amount of players training. I’m looking forward to playing again on Friday because I had a few little niggles which needed to settle down. The break probably came at a good time, but I’m ready to go again now and other lads are coming back into the mix.
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“We’ve had a lot of strike players out injured and you’d like to think that, when they all get fit, our side will improve and get stronger as the season unfolds. I don’t think there is anything better than selection headaches for a head coach. The more great players we have fighting for places, when we’re challenging each other in training, can only benefit the side. The intensity and level of training goes up, so it benefits everyone.”
Richard Agar threw in the towel as head coach in March after admitting his methods were no longer working. Club legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan steadied the ship before Smith arrived from Australia to take permanent charge on a long-term deal.
Handley added: “I think we needed a bit of direction – someone who can lead us and tell us what he wants from every single player. That’s what Rohan does and he’s quite specific in what he wants in every aspect of the game.
“He’s very knowledgeable about rugby league and his training style is quite different to Rich Agar. We’re doing more contact now than we probably did under Rich – on the mats in the wrestle room – which I think it’s good.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. He’s coached us for two games and it’s too early to tell how his style will work out. Hopefully we’ll just keep building and building and you’ll see more of his style as the season progresses. I’m looking forward to it.”
Big things were expected of Friday’s opponents Warrington following the close-season appointment of ex-Leeds boss Daryl Powell. Yet the Wolves have flattered to deceive so far and Handley reasoned: “I’d say Warrington and ourselves have had quite similar seasons so far. They managed to pip us at the start of the year, so we’ll be looking to get one over on them now.”
Handley has also enjoyed being reunited with Zak Hardaker, who he played alongside during the Rhinos’ glorious treble-winning season in 2015. Handley, who made his Leeds debut the previous year, said: “It’s been good to have Zak back, he’s a great lad and I get on with him really well.
“He’s a fantastic player and has proved that at every club he’s been at. He’s international-standard and it’s good to have someone like him around the place, driving the intensity of training up. I think he will go really well for us in the rest of the season because he was great at full-back in our last game against Wakefield.
“He’s still the same competitor that he’s always been on a rugby league field. He just wants to win and because he’s been at the top level for so many years, he knows the game so well. It’s just good to have him in our set-up back at Leeds.”
Handley, meanwhile, is due to become a father later this summer. “The baby is due at the end of August and I’m looking forward to it – we’re keeping the gender of the baby a surprise,” he said.
"I’m as prepared as I think I can be but I don’t know what it’s going to be like. But I just can’t wait to start a little family with my partner and try and take it in my stride.”
