Super League Struggles Continue for Leeds Rhinos as Hull FC Secure Comfortable Victory
The Leeds Rhinos’ topsy-turvy Super League campaign took another downward turn on Sunday, as they succumbed to an 18-10 defeat against a resurgent Hull FC side. Despite remaining within touching distance of the top six so far this season, the Rhinos’ performances have failed to fully convince, and this latest result represents a new low for Head Coach Rohan Smith.
Three tries in a ten-minute span either side of the half-time interval gave the visiting Hull FC side the momentum they needed to complete a comfortable victory over their lacklustre opponents. Leeds appeared passive in defense and disjointed in attack, never truly getting into the rhythm of the match.
Speaking as part of Sky Sports’ coverage, pundit Jon Wilkin offered a scathing assessment of the Rhinos’ display, branding it an “embarrassment” given the quality within their squad. Wilkin suggested that the team’s overly passive defensive approach is a significant factor in their recent struggles, preventing them from establishing a clear identity and competitive edge.
The discontent amongst the Leeds faithful had already begun to surface during their recent narrow victory over Hull FC in Round 9, with sections of the crowd openly calling for Smith’s departure. This latest defeat is sure to intensify the pressure on the Rhinos’ Head Coach, particularly with the recent appointment of Ian Blease as Sporting Director from Salford Red Devils.
Speculation regarding Blease’s potential influence on the coaching staff has been further fueled by Salford’s Paul Rowley distancing himself from links to the Leeds job in his post-match comments. As the Rhinos look to turn their season around, the scrutiny on Smith’s leadership will only continue to grow in the wake of this latest setback.
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