Leeds Rhinos' play-off aspirations will be given a thorough examination on Thursday when they take on high-flying Wigan Warriors. Here are the key talking points ahead of the game.
Sorting things out down the middle
Against Toulouse last week, Leeds' biggest area of weakness was their sturdiness down the middle. They didn't so much miss tackles are get cut apart but it was far too easy for the French club to bully Leeds down the middle and make considerable post-contact metres by being direct.
It's not a new frailty, it's reared its head more than once this season, but it is an aspect of the game they need to tidy up between now and the end of the season. Rohan Smith mentioned in his post-match press conference that Toulouse were frequently going from their own end of the field to the other.
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Wigan pose a much different threat to Toulouse and that is electrifying pace. In that regard, Leeds should be able to handle the post-contact defence more efficiently but it will be a point of note all the same against a Wigan pack that is full of effort and endeavour but not particularly known for bullying sides.
Another halfback combination
No disrespect intended to Jack Sinfield and Corey Johnson, but the young pairing struggled to stamp their authority on the game in France and it wasn't until a change was made late in the game that Leeds started to cut through Toulouse.
Given that, another new combination is to be expected but with Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer both still out, who makes up the next partnership remains to be seen. Zak Hardaker's return could allow Richie Myler to move there while having Harry Newman back opens up a bigger possibility of Liam Sutcliffe being moved to the halves.
Jack Sinfield remains a viable option, especially alongside a more senior halfback and even Cameron Smith has previously played there. What's fair to say is this, it's not an obvious selection.
Trying to find a win from somewhere
Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes. That's the general consensus as the Rhinos prepare to host Matt Peet's Warriors. Given the irresistible form of Wigan at present, Leeds would have to produce something special to stop Jai Field, Bevan French and co. Doing so without a stack of first-team stars only hampers them further.
But with eight games to go, Leeds can't afford to write games off, regardless of the challenge at hand. They are three points adrift of the top six and the fact is they are going to need several wins to extend their season.
For that reason alone, Leeds have to try and defy the odds to defeat a Wigan side that, barring the odd absentee, is full strength. If they don't their chances of making the six decrease again.
Yusuf Aydin
The young prop is set to be given an opportunity and it will be interesting to see how he gets on. Aydin has joined from Wakefield Trinity on loan but the reality is that Leeds have brought in him to see if he's a viable long-term option.
The deal allows them to have a good look at the 21-year-old at a time when they need every body they can get. In that sense, it's a no lose situation for all parties.
Thursday is a big night for Aydin and gives Leeds fans a good look at a potential new arrival for 2023.
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