Matt Prior is refusing to write off Leeds Rhinos’ season and believes the new incoming head coach will inherit a squad determined to climb the Super League table. Headingley supremo Gary Hetherington is understood to be close to announcing a successor to Richard Agar in the coming days.
Agar stepped down last month after admitting his methods were no longer working but Prior is confident this season can be salvaged. The rugged Aussie prop, rated as one of the best signings of Agar’s three-year reign, told Rugby League Live: “I’m definitely not writing us off just yet – I think we’ve got too good a team. We’ve got everything in our favour to be honest.
“We obviously haven’t got the results we needed but we’ve still been there or thereabouts. If we just keep working hard and trying to get better then I think eventually it’s going to click. I believe the next few weeks are going to be good for us.”
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Prior has taken heart from the renewed spirit they displayed during Thursday’s thrilling 20-20 draw with Huddersfield Giants. Leeds have suffered some shocking defeats this season and the collective desire of the team has come under scrutiny. But, in interim boss Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s third game in charge, the Rhinos showed some welcome signs of their old selves and led 20-10 only to concede two late tries which levelled matters.
Prior added: “The effort was certainly there and, if you turn up and play like that, nine times out of ten, you’re probably going to win. It was obviously very disappointing that we didn’t get the two points but we just need to close out the game in the last ten minutes to get the job done.
“But performance-wise it felt better and the effort and energy areas were good. Everyone was ripping in for each other and I think that’s all you can really ask for. I feel like we’re heading in the right direction and, despite the situation we’re in, nobody is sitting around moping. The mood is upbeat and positive.”
Asked about Agar’s decision to quit, two-time NRL title winner Prior reasoned: “It’s a bit mad but that’s football isn’t it? It’s obviously results-driven and Rich wasn’t getting the results at the start of the year. I guess Rich thought it was best for the club if he stepped down because he didn’t feel like he was taking it in the right direction.
“But I feel he did a great job and I enjoyed working with him in the past couple of years – he’s a great bloke and a good coach. Jamie Jones-Buchanan is doing a great job and I think the boys are really buying into what he’s saying. They’re loving what he’s about and everyone wants to play for him.”
