Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Rohan Smith’s Bold Moves Pay Off in Thumping Victory over London Broncos
Leeds, 28 March 2024 – In a match he could not afford to lose, Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith made some bold decisions that ultimately proved fruitful. In last night’s convincing 46-8 win over the Super League’s bottom side, London Broncos, Smith took the bold step of dropping Matt Frawley from the line-up and handing a first-team opportunity to 19-year-old scrum-half Jack Sinfield.
Another key change saw Andy Ackers relegated to the bench, with Jarrod O’Connor starting at hooker. Both moves paid dividends, with Sinfield earning the Player of the Match award and O’Connor and Ackers making significant contributions to the team’s comprehensive victory.
“It felt good and it was nice to get over the line for a try,” Sinfield told Love Rugby League after the match. “Brodie going off injured was unfortunate because that was how we had practised all week, but I’m used to playing with Cam anyway.”
Smith’s decision to give Sinfield, the son of Leeds’ legendary former captain, his first appearance of the 2024 season added an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings. Over two years have passed since the youngster made his Super League debut as a 17-year-old, and opportunities have been scarce, with the likes of Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Brodie Croft and Frawley ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Sinfield seized his chance against the Broncos, scoring a try in the second half and proving a calming presence in the team, initially partnering Croft before continuing alongside Cameron Smith after the former departed with a tight groin during the first half.
Head coach Smith was full of praise for the young half-back, describing him as “the ultimate team player at the moment” and commending his growth and development since being thrown into the deep end a couple of years ago.
With Croft’s injury potentially opening the door for more first-team opportunities, Sinfield is determined to make the most of his chances and cement a regular spot in the side. As he explained, “I want to play at Leeds Rhinos and I want to be in the first team, so that’s my priority.”
The victory over the Broncos has provided some much-needed respite for Smith, who has faced scrutiny and calls for his head from some Leeds fans in recent weeks. The coach’s bold decisions proved fruitful, and the performance of the young Sinfield has given the Rhinos faithful reason for optimism as the season progresses.
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