Leeds Rhinos 6 Wigan Warriors 19 - Coach Richard Agar’s verdict on home defeat

Decent start: Leeds Rhinos' coach Richard Agar was pleased with the efforts of Kyle Eastmond (centre) on his debut. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

BOSS RICHARD Agar was again full of praise for injury-hit Leeds Rhinos, but felt they could have done better in last night’s 19-6 home loss to Wigan Warriors.

Without 12 senior players, Rhinos battled hard and were only six points adrift inside the final 10 minutes before Wigan finally pulled clear.

“I can’t question our effort and commitment, I thought it was absolutely top drawer again,” Agar said in his post-match press conference.

“I think the spirit and commitment we are playing with is outstanding, but we can’t accept being spirited is enough. Whatever team we are putting on the park, we could have asked a bit more of Wigan on their tryline.

Wigan Warriors' Zak Hardaker scores their side's second try of the game during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Picture date: Thursday April 15, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story RUGBYL Leeds. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. — Wigan Warriors' Zak Hardaker scores their side's second try of the game during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Picture date: Thursday April 15, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story RUGBYL Leeds. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

“Jack Broadbent flicked an intercept away on play one that resulted in the second try and in the second half Rhyse [Martin] missed a kick to touch and then a tackle on Jackson Hastings,” he said.

“Regardless of who’s in or not in our team, they are little bits where we have got to be better.”

Kyle Eastmond, who joined Leeds last month after a decade in rugby union, finally made his debut and Agar said: “I thought he was solid and defensively he was outstanding.

“It’s only natural at times he struggled to find his way into the game with the ball, because of the way we were playing. He played a good part in the try we scored and he will be better for the run.”

Eastmond said: “I thought we competed hard against a very good Wigan team.

“I felt okay and the main thing for me was being out on the field.

“I needed to get this one under my belt.”

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