Leeds Rhinos Jury: Fans marvel at the Rhinos' two-month unbeaten run

You would not believe after the season we have had that we have not lost a match in over two months.
Jordan LilleyJordan Lilley
Jordan Lilley

Once again we had the biggest crowd of the whole weekend at Headingley even with the ‘50 fans’ who came from Salford.

The first half was very scrappy and with the score very close at half-time I thought Salford would really have a good go at getting a much-needed victory.

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They seemed to give up in the second half and were never close to threatening our try line as we strolled to a very comfortable victory.

Jordan Lilley came off the bench and gave us some much-needed organisation, plus his goalkicking was top notch.

Having Joel Moon at stand-off was not a bad idea as he had played some games there in the NRL. However, I don’t think it worked.

Our pack made huge metres against a very disappointing Salford pack though.

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And it was great to see Stevie Ward back playing (off the field he has done some fantastic work to raise awareness for mental health within sport).

Salford, in my opinion, are going to be relegated.

Hull KR are not far behind them though after last Saturday’s loss to Leigh.

On to this week and the visit of Batley Bulldogs.

I would have preferred the game to be at Mount Pleasant so they would have got a better pay day. Their players will want to make an impact at Headingley and I reckon we will see a close game in the first half.

We should pull away with the victory in the second half when the fitness levels of the Batley players are tested the most with them being part time. It is a great achievement for them to be able to come to Headingley so they have nothing to lose and I hope their fans will enjoy the trip.

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Gary Hetherington announced on Tuesday that hooker James Segeyaro has made his decision on his future after this season.

I would have liked to have heard that straight away and not leave us on a knife-edge as we really need him to stay at the club.

LUKE CROSSFIELD

In what was a pretty boring match of not a very good standard, Leeds Rhinos came out well on top of Salford Red Devils at Headingley on Friday night after a dominant second half.

It was a delight to see Stevie Ward back playing again after nearly a year out. Iit really does make a difference to me, as a fan, to see a blue and amber shirt with the number 13 on the back gracing the Headingley turf. Adam Cuthbertson and Mitch Garbutt were outstanding in the forwards off the bench. I was impressed with Jordan Lilley in the second half due to his kicking game and role in organising the attacking line, and Kallum Watkins deserves a lot of credit for the way he covered the full-back role in the second half.

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There’s worry for Salford though after that showing; despite the names they had and some moments of attractive play, their performance was poor.

But Leeds themselves weren’t great though they still won convincingly in the end.

Batley at home this week; I can only see another comfortable Leeds win that should just about mathematically guarantee a minimum of third place in the Qualifiers depending on how other results go. I wish all the best to Batley after what they have achieved this season and hope they enjoy their big night out in Headingley.

THOMAS LAWRENCE

Friday’s score flattered us, but on we march, unbeaten in seven. A lot of dropped ball (from both sides) meant it was stop start in the first half, but I was pleased with our defence. James Segeyaro had another blinder, and Jordan Lilley’s kicking game was exceptional. Looking forward to Batley.

KATIE BURROWS

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Another poor showing from Leeds was enough to earn a victory against a disheartened Salford Red Devils and likely to gain them a place in Super League next season.

The match was low quality, with both teams lacking an attacking spark. This resulted in a low-key affair with both teams struggling to find points.

The end of this season would have looked very different had James Segeyaro not joined at such a crucial time – Leeds haven’t lost since Segeyaro joined and that is not a coincidence. It looks like Leeds have his signature for at least next year, which is a massive boost for the club.

Judging by other Super League team’s scores against Batley, Friday should be a formality for Leeds and I expect a large victory for the Rhinos.

ANDREW RICHARDSON

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A tense first half, but Leeds dominated the second half and the win was never in doubt.

Was Lilley the difference between the two halves or did Salford just capitulate?

I was stunned to hear of JP’s return. If Hull KR are in the million pound game, he could be pivotal to their survival.

ELIZABETH HAWKHEAD

The Salford match was a game of two halves.

The first was slow, with defences on top with very little to remember.

The second half, however, came into life.

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The introduction of Jordan Lilley gave the attack some purpose and direction and his kicking game applied pressure.

He was behind a strong pack led superbly by Mitch Garbutt and a busy hooker, James Segeyaro, who looks like he is enjoying life at Leeds. It was a good win in front of another big crowd.

If we follow this with another win against Batley on Friday, our Super League place will be guaranteed.

I can see a very comfortable victory coming as we should be too fit, strong and skilful for them over 80 minutes.

ANDREW SUTCLIFFE