Leeds Rhinos: Pride restored says Galloway after '˜best performance to date'

Rhinos’ second victory of the season was an impressive response to the 28-6 drubbing at Wigan Warriors seven days earlier.

Only a try on the final play of the match prevented the reigning champions being nilled at DW Stadium. Against Saints they scored three tries inside the opening 11 minutes and Galloway admitted: “I think everyone was pretty upset or down on themselves after the Wigan game, especially me.

“I didn’t play too well, but we had to dig deep and go out there and put in a tough performance.”

After building their early 16-0 advantage Rhinos went two points behind and needed a last-gasp try by Carl Ablett to send them in ahead at the break. But they kept Saints scoreless in the second half and Galloway reckons that – and their best attacking display so far – has set a new standard.

“The first month or so has been tough,” the former Wests Tigers man reflected. “We haven’t been going so well, so it’s good to get a win at home.

“Hopefully it rolls on to Castleford on Thursday. That will be a big game for us and we need to get the two points.

“We are getting a few blokes back [from injury] and starting to get some depth, so that’s good.”

Castleford have suffered their own spate of injuries and are on a three-match losing run. A win for Leeds would lift them above their near-neighbours on the table and Galloway said: “A few of the boys have told me about the rivalry. They say the atmosphere is really special, so I am looking forward to it.”

Galloway has taken time to find his feet at Leeds, but coach Brian McDermott described his performance against Saints as his best for the club.

“It was a bit better than last week,” Galloway said. “I am trying hard and hopefully I’ll keep getting better.”