Agar's agenda - what is on Leeds Rhinos coach's mind ahead of this week's derby against Wakefield Trinity?

Coach Richard Agar will be in a happier frame of mind after the 50-12 hammering of Salford Red Devils which ended Leeds Rhinos’ two-game losing run.
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Rhinos have a short turnaround to Thursday’s ‘away’ fixture against Wakefield Trinity at Emerald Headingley, so what will be on Agar’s agenda this week?

1: Full-back. Richie Myler’s return, allowing Ash Handley to move to a wing, gave Rhinos much better balance, so what happens when Jack Walker is available? Walker has recovered from a fractured foot and will be in contention once his fitness levels reach the required standard. That could happen this week, but it will be hard to leave Myler out on the form he showed last Sunday. Agar was full of praise for the makeshift full-back, who bagged a hat-trick of tries and was a key organiser in a much-improved team effort. With a fixture pile-up looming, Myler is a valuable member of the squad and Rhinos must surely be giving some thought to trying to keep him for next year.

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2: Maintaining standards. It’s not difficult to spot where Leeds improved against Salford. They weren’t error-free, but were more controlled and conceded only one penalty - late in the game - and two set restarts. Rhinos, therefore, had a fair share of the ball and when they do that, certainly against teams outside the top-four, they are capable of running up a big score. More of the same is needed this week.

Richie Myler touches down against Salford. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.Richie Myler touches down against Salford. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Richie Myler touches down against Salford. Picture by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

3: Perspective. Rhinos need to keep working hard. Last Saturday was a step in the right direction, but Salford had a difficult build-up and lost key players throughout the game. Tougher challenges lie ahead and Agar will know his side can’t afford to switch off the way they did for a spell after half-time.

4: Focus. Leeds can’t get complacent ahead of a game they’ll be expected to win. Wakefield aren’t in the best form and are struggling with injuries and player unavailability, but beat Leeds in similar circumstances last year and will be highly motivated.

5: Potential. Mikolaj Oledzki has scored in both Leeds’ wins over Salford and had a stormer on Saturday. He’s 21, so how good could he be in three years’ time?

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