Agar's agenda - what will be on the Leeds Rhinos coach's mind this week?

Three successive wins suggest Leeds Rhinos are getting to grips with the new style of post-shutdown rugby league.
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A total of 111 points scored and 42 conceded is a return Rhinos can be happy with, but improvement is still needed.

Here’s what could be on coach Richard Agar’s agenda ahead of Thursday’s rematch with Hull KR.

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1: Consistency. Rhinos are searching for an 80-minute performance having been good in the second half against Huddersfield Giants two weeks ago and blistering in the first 40 of the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Hull KR. Rhinos had a big enough lead to ease off against Rovers, but errors and penalties were again an issue, which will cost them against the better teams.

Ava Seumanufagai celebrates his try in the Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Ava Seumanufagai celebrates his try in the Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Ava Seumanufagai celebrates his try in the Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

2: Priorities. Rhinos have a Cup semi-final looming which will be their third game in 10 days. Agar will want to rest players ahead of that game, but Leeds are also in a play-offs spot so it’s important they keep winning in Betfred Super League. It will be difficult to win both competitions this year, but the Cup may be Rhinos’ best opportunity.

3: Selection. Rhinos have two players showing impressive form in a position where they aren’t first choice. Richie Myler has been a revelation at full-back and Liam Sutcliffe is going great guns in the left-centre. When Jack Walker and Konrad Hurrell are fit Agar will have a headache, but one which will make squad rotation easier.

4: Youth. Teenage forwards Sam Walters and Jarrod O’Connor were both named in Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad for the Cup tie, but didn’t feature in the matchday 17. They need to be playing and are likely to get an opportunity in one of the next two games. Others, including young winger Liam Tindall, on-loan pack man James Harrison and former England academy forward Muizz Mustapha, may also come into the reckoning and Agar will be keen to see how they cope.

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5: Over-confidence. Rhinos can’t expect to win on Thursday just because of what happened last week. Rovers fell flat, but will be under less pressure in the league match and have nothing to lose.

Muizz Mustapha. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.Muizz Mustapha. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.
Muizz Mustapha. Picture by Varley Picture Agency.

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