Leeds Rhinos' play-off charge is well and truly alive after a chaotic 16-14 victory over top-six rivals Salford Red Devils. Two second-half Rhyse Martin penalties were the difference between the two teams as the Rhinos moved to within one win of the play-offs. Here are some of the key talking points to come from the game.
Consistency
That magic word. That trait Leeds have so painfully lacked this year. But maybe, just maybe, they've found it. This wasn't only a third victory but a third good performance. Were Leeds perfect? No. But it was another positive performance that ended with another positive result.
It's probably only the second time this season Leeds have put together three strong performances on the bounce and even that sequence included a dreadful 30 minutes against Wigan Warriors before storming back to victory. Crucially, this time Leeds have turned performances into points and that's a very promising reality at the business end of the year.
If Leeds are going to make the six, and if they are going to do anything beyond that, they need to retain it. Ultimately, they are still outside the play-off positions and will need to win more games than they lose to extend their season. But with a relatively fit squad and some form under their belt, there's every reason to be optimistic with nine games to go. Victory on Friday would potentially put them in the six.
Read more: Everything Rohan Smith had to say as Leeds Rhinos suffer new injury blow in Salford defeat
Goal line defence
Rohan Smith brushed off comparisons to last year's late play-off surge but there is one very evident similarity and that is a resolute goal-line defence. It has, in fairness, been a gradual improvement over the course of the season, excusing the odd blip here and there. But Leeds look like a much better defensive unit than the one that was rolling out earlier on in the year.
In particular, their edge defence was superb against Salford, sliding well and scrambling to keep the Reds out. The tackle to deny Ryan Brierley in the first half was a perfect example of just that. Go back to some of the early rounds and Leeds' disconnect on their own line was exposed over the over.
In the last three games, they have conceded four tries and three have come from kicks. That's a very good sign. It was their defensive efforts that were the difference in big games - the semi-final win over Wigan Warriors was the best example of that. If they can continue in this regard, they've got every chance of another run.
Square pegs in square holes
Rohan Smith got his team selection spot on against Salford and deserves credit for identifying the need for some cohesion within his team. Many have questioned his decision to keep reshuffling his team and moving players into different positions on a sometimes weekly basis.
There will have been a consideration to do the same after Blake Austin's suspension but instead he made the call to play Corey Johnson, who has largely played at nine during his Leeds career, in the halves as a direct replacement for the Australian.
It paid off. Defensively Leeds looked good on their edges and Ash Handley, on the wing, took a try well that others may have struggled to finish. Beyond that, Johnson played well in the halves, particularly defensively, doing a very tidy job on Tim Lafai.
Smith does like versatility but Leeds look better when players are in their favoured positions and that needs to remain the case for the rest of the season.
