Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar takes positives out of defeat by champions Saints

Rhinos, including only four players from last weekend’s Coral Challenge Cup-winning team, trailed 22-0 at the interval, but scored tries through Cameron Smith and teenager Liam Tindall in a more even second half.

Captained by Brad Dwyer, Leeds’ youngsters put in a better effort than a stronger side did against Saints at Emerald Headingley two months ago, when they were thrashed 48-0.

Agar said: “We felt at half-time, despite the scoreline, there were some good efforts in there, but we could have been more competitive.

“In the second half, for 20 minutes I thought we were really, really competitive.

“I think it is a great experience for the young kids, they have played against Catalans, Warrington and Saints, three of the best teams the comp’ has to offer and it lets them know where they need to be to play at the highest level of this competition.”

The defeat was Leeds’ third in four Betfred Super League games – all when Agar rested most of his big names.

Explaining his decision to field a young team yesterday, Agar insisted: “We want to get into the play-offs and 17 players aren’t going to get through six games in 17 days.” The players are up for it, we are looking at it as a massive challenge.”

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