Agar says Cup semi-final can wait as Leeds Rhinos gear up for Hull KR and Catalans Dragons

Thursday's Betfred Super League clash with Hull KR at Warrington is the first of three matches in 10 days for Rhinos, culminating in a Coral Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors.

Agar admitted the semi-final is an “exciting” prospect, but, with Leeds in a strong position in the league, he stressed they can’t afford to get distracted.

“We have a couple of games before that which we’ve got to negotiate,” Agar warned.

“We are in the top-four at the moment and that’s where we are trying to stay."

He added: “Our performance in those two games is important to try and get into the semi-final in the right form and the right frame of mind - and there’s a number of spots to be played for too.

“We are not looking too far ahead, it [the semi-final] is a big game with a lot at stake, but it is one step at a time before we get to that.

“Hopefully we can get into that game in good form and a really good frame of mind.”

Catalans Dragons visit Emerald Headingley on Wednesday, just three days before the semi-final and Agar - who has named a strong squad for this afternoon - will rest some key players.

Loose-forward Cameron Smith, who has missed three games with a broken jaw, is due to see a specialist today and Agar said: “If that is healed and mended he will be available to play [against Catalans] next week.

“He has been training with us, he feels fine and he doesn’t look like he has missed a beat fitness-wise.”

Brad Dwyer, who tested positive for coronavirus last week, remains unavailable and Konrad Hurrell, Bodene Thompson and youngster Corey Hall are also isolating after being identified on track and trace.

Agar said: “Touch wood, all being well, they could be in contention for the Catalans game, albeit with little preparation leading into that.

“Brad Dwyer is our main concern because he contracted Covid and had a couple of rough days.

“We need to see how he pulls through. His return to play protocols, I think, start this weekend, but we need to see how he comes back in terms of any adverse effect that may have caused him.”

Agar confirmed the other three players do not have symptoms, but admitted: “They wouldn’t get too much prep’ into the Catalans game in terms of training so we will assess their status in the 48 hours before that game.

“Fingers crossed we can look to Cam, Konny, Bodene and Brad Dwyer to play some part in that Catalans game.”

Thompson is Cup-tied and will be ineligible for the semi-final.

Brett Ferres and James Harrison are in a similar situation, but their loan from Featherstone Rovers has been extended on a week-to-week basis.

Harrison is likely to make his debut against Catalans, along with young players including Jarrod O’Connor and Josh Walters, if they don’t feature against Hull KR.

Jack Walker, sidelined since February owing to a foot injury, could also come into contention for one of next week’s games.

Rhinos crushed Hull KR 48-18 in the Cup last Friday, but Rovers will field a much-changed side for the rematch and Agar said he is expecting a battle.

“The fact Tony [Smith, Hull KR’s coach] is going to change his team will give them renewed energy,” he predicted.

“People are getting an opportunity to play for spots and they will want to right some wrongs from last week.

“The mindset for us is to get ourselves ready to start again and to put the same concentration and commitment into that defensive effort as we did for the bulk of the game last week.”

Despite Rhinos’ two big wins over Hull KR this year, Agar warned: “They are always a tricky team to play.

“Their tries came from threats we identified, the nines running and the unexpected kick plays, so that was a good warning shot for us that we need to be a bit more alert and cleaner in a couple of areas.”

Meanwhile, Agar admitted being unable to play in front of fans next week is “deflating and frustrating”.

One thousand spectators had been due to watch Wednesday’s game, but government measures to combat the rise in coronavirus infections mean it will be played behind closed doors.

“We have to respect the medical advice and opinion,”Agar said.

“Touch wood we get to a different place pretty quickly, but it is pretty disappointing.

“It is a bit of a setback for everyone.”

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