Leeds: Super 8s preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 17:05, UK
We take a look at the Super League season so far, and the season ahead for Brian McDermott's Leeds Rhinos.
Story so far:
A strong showing from the Rhinos to top the pile going into the Super 8s. They lost six games, drawing one, while boasting a points difference 105 better than anyone else. And this in a supposedly transitional season. With this the year Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock announced they’d no longer be at Headingley in 2016, Head Coach Brian McDermott has worked hard to integrate younger players into the squad.
There were pre-season concerns over the strength of the pack, but Leeds have held their own in the middle while showing their traditional quality out wide.
What’s gone right:
Leeds have been on fire in attack. The ‘we’ll score more points than you’ approach has paid off in some style this season; the Blue-and-Amber faithful have been treated to some truly exquisite tries.
The Rhinos’ determination to keep the ball alive means they’ve crossed the whitewash 134 times. And that’s meant they’ve posted 40 points past second-placed St Helens - twice - while poor old Salford conceded 70 at Headingley. More of that and Leeds look a good bet to go all the way.
What’s gone wrong:
Injuries could be a problem for the Rhinos. Liam Sutcliffe’s out for the season with a knee injury, while Tom Briscoe, Brett Delaney, Mitch Achurch and Jamie Jones-Buchanan have all missed large chunks. You fear for Brian McDermott, especially if something happens to, say, Jamie Peacock, who is so crucial to their hopes.
Super 8 chances:
Very good. If Leeds carry on their form from the regular rounds then a return to Old Trafford looks on the cards. The six-time champions don’t often finish top of the pile, they’re more used to coming from deep in the play-offs, so the fact they’re leading the pack suggests the Rhinos will be extremely hard to beat this season.
One concern - two defeats to both Warrington and Wigan. If Tony Smith and Shaun Wane believe they’ve found the Rhinos’ weaknesses, then they’ll fancy their chances. The Challenge Cup final could be a distraction as well.
One to watch:
Adam Cuthbertson was the only pre-season signing and what a buy he’s been. But the main man has to be centre Kallum Watkins. He’s the team’s top scorer with 13, has the most tackle busts in Super League with 98, and with 26 clean breaks he’s topped that Super League chart too.
Watkins has the ability to create something out of absolutely nothing, just look at his try against Catalans in the final game of the regular season. He’s certainly the go-to man for the Rhinos.
