What's gone wrong for Leeds Rhinos? Phil Clarke takes a look
Thursday 17 September 2015 13:29, UK
Are the Rhinos an endangered species in 2015? Is it possible that they could die out in the next month? Well, their loss in France on Saturday has put that question at the top of the agenda this week.
They missed 44 tackles and came up with 23 errors against the Dragons and there is a feeling of history repeating itself. Twelve months ago, they lost their last four games after winning at Wembley and it looks like their batteries are flat and they've run out of energy again.
Their performances and success this year have been awesome at times. It's obvious that they've worked on their skills - their forwards now pass the ball more than in previous seasons, and it's resulted in some great tries and impressive victories. But just as winning can become a habit, so can losing.
We love to exaggerate as pundits and claim that almost every game is a 'must-win match' but I really believe that this is the case for Leeds (against Castleford).
People who work in sport don't like to admit that luck can play a significant part in their success or failure. Injuries are one aspect that does tend to get a mention, but timing and the fixture calendar are equally as important. Leeds have been a bit unlucky with the two opponents they've had to face after the Cup Final. For two years in a row, they've entertained St Helens and put a massive effort into trying to beat them, perhaps too much.
This year, they've had to travel to Perpignan, when last year they went to Wigan. It's not really a surprise that they haven't won those games, it's the third game after Wembley that they need to win. Last year, they went to Hull and lost narrowly, after leading 19-4 at one point. It's impossible to say which match or moment was their biggest problem but I feel that the defeat at the KC Stadium was the end. Their hearts and minds were shattered and they couldn't recover for the Play-Offs.
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This year, they're given a home fixture against a stronger opponent. We love to exaggerate as pundits and claim that almost every game is a 'must-win match' but I really believe that this is the case for Leeds this Thursday when they play host to Castleford. The schedule means that they've only had four days to rest and recover from the trauma in France, whilst Daryl Powell's team have had a full week. All of these factors can be used when you want to look for explanations and excuses. The challenge for the Leeds lads is to resist that temptation.
Man of Steel contender?
Another coach of a Super League side said to me several weeks ago that his choice for Man of Steel was Paul Aiton. Most of the credit for their success this season has centred around names like Hardaker, Cuthbertson, McGuire, Peacock and Watkins but it was their hooker who was responsible for initiating much of their play. He was also a fearsome defender who 'attacked' with his aggressive defence. Without him, Leeds don't look as dangerous.
If Leeds win this week, they don't need to win next, which might be just as well, as they have to travel to the Giants. A victory over the Tigers guarantees them a home game in the Play-Offs and a better chance of getting to Old Trafford. A second defeat in a season at home to Castleford could see them slip to third or fourth at the end of the Super 8s.
Can they do it? Well, it all comes down to whether a wounded Rhino can muster up the energy to take on a Tiger.
Watch Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30pm on Thursday night.
