Leeds Rhinos’ interim coach Jamie Jones-Buchanan can see better times ahead as Rohan Smith prepares to take over at Headingley

Off we go: James Donaldson scores the Rhinos' first try.
Picture: Bruce Rollinson — Off we go: James Donaldson scores the Rhinos' first try. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Rhinos remain second from bottom in Betfred Super League, but now have a three-point gap over Toulouse.

“It’s big,” Jones-Buchanan said of Leeds’ 25-14 victory, which was their first win in seven games and only their second from 11 matches this year.

“The second half of the season will be very different, we will be fine, but I am glad the boys have got the win, which is reward for all the hard work they’ve put in over the last few weeks.”

Brad’s brace: Leeds Rhinos’ Brad Dwyer is mobbed by team-mates after scoring one of his two tries in the Betfred Super League win against Toulouse Olympique last night.
Picture Bruce Rollinson — Brad’s brace: Leeds Rhinos’ Brad Dwyer is mobbed by team-mates after scoring one of his two tries in the Betfred Super League win against Toulouse Olympique last night. Picture Bruce Rollinson

The game was marred by the loss of Liam Sutcliffe, who aggravated a persistent knee problem in the first half and winger Tom Briscoe, with “pretty bad” ankle damage after the break.

Jones-Buchanan admitted it could be a struggle to get players on the training field ahead of next Friday’s visit of Hull KR, but feels young players are proving their worth.

“Tommy Briscoe’s ankle went so we had back-rowers in the centres and young blokes on the wing, but they really tipped in. There was a lot of character out there and I can’t commend them enough for that.”

The win came after Rohan Smith was confirmed as Leeds’ new coach. He is expected to arrive in Leeds next week and Jones-Buchanan said: “He’s texted to say ‘well done, enjoy it’ - which I will do, then we’ll think about the Hull KR game.”