Leeds Rhinos: '˜Massive' win has given us big confidence boost, says Moon

LEEDS RHINOS are making progress under their new backroom team, stand-off Joel Moon reckons.
Joel Moon is tackled by Matt Whitley on Friday.Joel Moon is tackled by Matt Whitley on Friday.
Joel Moon is tackled by Matt Whitley on Friday.

Rhinos ended a nine-game winless run and gave of director rugby Kevin Sinfield and first team coach James Lowes a first victory when they crushed Widnes Vikings 34-0 last week.

That was not enough to keep them out of the middle-eights Qualifiers, but Moon insists they have something to build on going into that relegation battle and the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington Wolves in 12 days’ time.

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“We had a game plan and everyone, across the whole park, stuck to it,” he said of the performance against Widnes.

Joel Moon celebrates his try against Widnes with Brad Singleton.Joel Moon celebrates his try against Widnes with Brad Singleton.
Joel Moon celebrates his try against Widnes with Brad Singleton.

“The forwards were awesome, they laid a great base for me and Richie [Myler] and it is enjoyable playing off a forward pack like that.”

Moon added: “The win was massive.

“We needed it, it is a pretty crucial time for the club and the team and we will take a bit of confidence out of that.

“We need to keep on from there, step up again this week and just keep building.

“That’s the plan and hopefully now it’s up and up.”

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Rhinos scored seven tries against Widnes and it was the first time they have scored more than 30 points in the league this year, but keeping a clean sheet was more satisfying according to Moon.

“One of the goals was to keep them to zero,” he revealed.

“We pride ourselves on our defence and to keep any team to zero is good.

“For our defence it’s a big confidence booster – and the same in offense, scoring that many tries.

“The boys are happy with it and we just have to build on it now.”

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Rhinos complete their regular season away to Moon’s former club Salford Red Devils on Friday.

They will finish ninth in Betfred Super League whatever happens this week, but Moon insisted it is still an important game.

“We have to approach that just the same as we did the Widnes game,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep going, keep working on things and not slacken off. We’ve got to keep going. After Salford it’s the semi’ against Warrington and that’s a massive game for us.

“We need to get some more confidence going into that.”

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New loan signing Dom Crosby will not be allowed to play against his parent club Warrington, but Moon reckons the front-rower is a good addition for the eights.

He said: “He’s an awesome player and a great bloke.

“We needed him on Friday and he showed up and played really well.

“Hopefully he keep going like that.”