Agar's agenda - what will be on Leeds Rhinos boss' mind ahead of Challenge Cup tie against Hull KR

They go into the game on back-to-back wins, achieved in contrasting fashion by 38 points and one point, but their opponents are improving rapidly under Tony Smith - Leeds coach Richard Agar’s old boss at Warrington Wolves - and Rhinos will need to be better over the 80 minutes than they were against Huddersfield Giants seven days earlier.

So what will be on Agar’s mind this week?

1: Opportunity. Agar has had success in the Challenge Cup as an assistant-coach, but is yet to win a major trophy when the man in charge. He will rarely get a better chance as Rhinos enter the competition in the last eight, needing only three victories to lift the silverware. The other seven quarter-final coaches will feel exactly the same, but it makes Friday a big game.

2: Preparation. Agar will be hoping for a smoother build-up than last week, when a coronavirus scare caused major disruption and he wasn’t sure of his team until 90 minutes before kick-off against Huddersfield. Rhinos started slowly but, in the circumstances, it was a good win and bodes well for their ability to deal with what could be a recurring situation for all clubs this year.

3: Rotation. Midweek matches are looming and victory this week would add at least one more fixture to Rhinos’ calendar - giving them six and possibly seven games next month. Agar has so far fielded his strongest-available line-up but, at some stage soon, he will want to start giving first-choice players a rest and some youngsters a chance.

4: Durability. There has been some concern over Rhinos’ fitness levels since the resumption, but players’ willingness to put their bodies on the line can’t be doubted. James Donaldson’s performance against Giants, five weeks after suffering a fractured back, was remarkable.

5: Chickens. Agar won’t be counting any. Rhinos may have put 50 points on Rovers seven months ago, but Smith’s side have beaten Wigan and taken St Helens to extra-time in their past two matches. They are dangerous opponents.

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Laura Collins