There were some good wins, including at league leaders Wigan Warriors and defending champions St Helens.
But Rhinos lost three of their five meetings with the bottom pair and eighth place in Betfred Super League was a fair reflection of their form.
Leeds used 30 players, with two featuring in every game. Here’s how they rated for the 2023 campaign as a whole.
13. Cameron Smith (no 13)
Appearances: 26 (plus one), tries: seven. Official player of the year. Took on a leadership role as co-captain with Handley, led the way defensively and was effective with ball in hand 8. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
14. Jarrod O'Connor (no 14)
Appearances: 26 (plus two), tries: three. It’s easy to forget he's only 22, played every game and never gave less than his all 7. Photo: Tony Johnson
15. Sam Lisone (no 15)
Appearances: Five (plus 19), tries: four. Increasingly effective off the bench, began to find some try-scoring form late in the year and showed signs of becoming a fans' favourite 6. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
16. Derrell Olpherts (no 16)
Appearances: 13 (plus one), tries: four. A better player than his first season at Leeds suggests; he made too many errors, confidence suffered and he had a long spell out of the side 3. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
17. Justin Sangare (no 17)
Appearances: 18 (all as sub), tries: one. Had a solid first season, despite a couple of foot injuries 5. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
18. Tom Holroyd (no 18)
Appearances: 15 (plus nine), five tries. Bounced back after last year’s wipe out to earn an England cap and had some very good games, particularly early on 6. Photo: Tony Johnson