Sluggish Leeds sent packing
Published Date:
20 September 2008
By Peter Smith
St Helens 38 Leeds Rhinos 10
Losing the engage Super League qualifying semi-final won't particularly concern Leeds Rhinos, but the manner of their defeat should.
Rhinos weren't so much beaten as pulverised and nothing about a disappointingly one-sided clash suggested the defending champions can turn the tables at Old Trafford in two weeks' time.
Indeed, Leeds will have to play much better to get past either Les Catalans Dragons or Wigan Warriors in next Friday night's final eliminator at Headingley Carnegie.
Both Rhinos' Grand Final wins came after they lost the qualifying semi, including last year's memorable triumph over Saints.
But whereas 12 months ago Leeds set the platform for Old Trafford glory with a brutal performance at Knowsley Road which sapped both Saints' energy and confidence, this time the reverse occurred.
Rhinos took little out of Saints' tank and the hosts were so superior, over-confidence would seem to be their biggest danger should the two teams meet again.
The full article contains 166 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
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Last Updated:
20 September 2008 7:11 AM
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Source:
EP Leeds First & County
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Location:
Leeds
