Nothing, it seems, can stop Leeds Rhinos right now. Last night’s 28-20 win at Hull Kingston Rovers marked a fourth straight success for Rohan Smith’s play-off hopefuls.
A number of injuries marred the win, however, as Cameron Smith, Bodene Thompson and Harry Newman were all forced off at Sewell Group Craven Park. Here, Leeds Live assesses the key issues surrounding the resurgent Rhinos following their latest victory.
Play-offs are well and truly on
The transformation of Leeds Rhinos under Rohan Smith has been quite staggering. The Aussie arrived in May to inherit an underperforming side low on confidence and in danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Read more: Leeds Rhinos injury update as Rohan Smith counts the cost of Hull KR victory
Three months on, the eight-time Super League champions are the competition’s form team and look an increasingly decent bet for a top-six finish. Smith has poured confidence into youngsters such as Jarrod O’Connor, Morgan Gannon and Sam Walters, who all played their part in victory against the Robins.
But it goes deeper. Smith’s calm assuredness has actually revitalised the whole club, from top to bottom, and only a fool would turn his back on Leeds now. It is now eight wins in 12 games since the Aussie arrived at Headingley, which tells you something.
Morgan Gannon’s star continues to rise
When you are scoring two tries to win the game as a back-rower at just 18 years old in a game of such magnitude, you know you are a special talent. Gannon did that last night, his second try an exhilarating effort as he raced clear from distance to illustrate his impressive speed.
The teenager celebrated scoring before he had even grounded the ball. But, after his man-of-the-match display – and matchwinning performance – Gannon was entitled to milk the moment. If the son of former Hull KR forward Jim Gannon was not already considered the best young forward in Super League, he is now. NRL clubs will be taking note.
Injuries continuing to bite hard.
Already missing three players through suspension in Aidan Sezer, Rhyse Martin and David Fusitu’a, Leeds lost three more during the game at Hull KR.
Cameron Smith (thumb) and Bodene Thompson (rib) were forced off in the opening quarter and Harry Newman (hamstring) went off in the second half. Smith and Thompson were taken straight to hospital in Wakefield to have their injuries attended to while Newman was a picture of despair after succumbing to yet another hamstring injury.
The England World Cup hopeful’s display against the Robins had confirmed his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the British game. But seeing him off forced off was a sad sight and it is to be hoped that he can recover quickly to play a part in Leeds’ potential play-off charge and England’s World Cup campaign.
Despite losing Smith, Thompson and Newman, the Rhinos’ spirits never sagged and they had enough quality to see off Danny McGuire’s Robins, with Blake Austin making an impressive cameo off the bench. Brad Dwyer was impressive too, scoring a superb individual try which had some Leeds supporters querying why he has not been offered a deal beyond this season. While the injuries were a huge concern, the Rhinos continue to find a way to win.
Myler continues to prove his class
Richie Myler’s popularity with Leeds Rhinos supporters continues to soar. Having scored a hat-trick in the recent famous win at Catalans Dragons, the 32-year-old followed that with a try against Salford and two tries against Hull KR last night.
Six tries in three games have underlined Myler’s importance to Leeds and he is proving as influential as anyone in their renaissance under Rohan Smith. Myler’s scheming, competitive style of play, coupled with his ability to create and score tries, has made him one of the first names on Smith’s teamsheet.
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