Leeds Rhinos Suffer Setback in Playoff Push After Defeat Against Catalans Dragons
In a crucial Super League clash, Leeds Rhinos were dealt another blow to their playoff aspirations as they suffered a 26-0 defeat against the Catalans Dragons in the heat of Perpignan. The loss has intensified the pressure on head coach Rohan Smith, as the Rhinos failed to complete the double over the Dragons by Round Eleven.
The first-half performance by the Rhinos was described as one of their worst showings of the season, with Sky Sports pundits Jon Wells and Jon Wilkin expressing their shock at the team’s lackluster display. Wilkin went so far as to state that the opening 20 minutes showcased why neither team could achieve much this year, describing it as “a joke.”
“The opening 20 minutes showcased why neither team could achieve much this year, it was a joke.” – Jon Wilkin, Sky Sports
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s traditional ‘Player Ratings’ piece also heavily criticized the Rhinos players, with Lachie Miller, one of the team’s star performers, receiving particular scrutiny for a “disastrous start with four errors in the opening quarter.” Even Wilkin, in a surprisingly sympathetic manner, acknowledged that Miller’s every first-half contribution had resulted in an error, stating that the Australian was merely a “symptom” of the Rhinos’ larger issues.
The lack of spirit and competitive edge in the Rhinos’ play was a major talking point, with Wilkin questioning the absence of a “junkyard dog” in the Leeds side, suggesting they lacked the necessary bite and determination.
The defeat has once again raised questions about Rohan Smith’s tenure as the Rhinos’ head coach. Last year, the team suffered a humiliating 61-0 loss in the South of France, and this latest result has sparked similar concerns among the fans. Some supporters have called for Smith’s dismissal, with one fan even suggesting that he and assistant coach Matt Fraudley should be left in France to allow the club to “try to salvage something from this season.”
However, despite the growing discontent, the Rhinos remain just two points outside of the playoff positions and four points off the top spot. With key players such as Brodie Croft, David Fusitu’a, and Paul Momirovski sidelined due to injuries, some have argued that Rohan Smith and his coaching staff deserve more sympathy.
As Leeds Rhinos head into a week off, the question on many fans’ minds will be whether it’s time for a change in the coaching staff or if the team should stick with Rohan Smith and see if they can turn their fortunes around in the upcoming fixtures against St Helens, Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Leigh Leopards, and London Broncos.
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