There is simply no way you can sugarcoat Leeds Rhinos' last two results. Defeats to Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity, teams no other Super League sides have lost to this season, are embarrassing.
But then to some extent, they aren't a surprise. Leeds' erratic season has left everyone questioning what they'll dish up one week to the next and if there was a side 'capable' of losing to the two bottom teams back-to-back, most would say Leeds were the most likely. And yet on the flip side, they're the most likely to pull a win out of nowhere. The same group of players have also conjured up wins at St Helens and Wigan, as well as a victory over Catalans.
But that is the exact issue with the team. Delve into their season and there is a recurring theme and that is an inability to handle expectations. When Leeds have been expected to win, they haven't. Hull FC at home? Lost. A trip to winless Castleford? Lost. Winnable games at Leigh and Hull KR and at home to Salford? Poor performances. Magic Weekend against Castleford? Another reverse. And then Wakefield.
