Leeds Rhinos reaction: Rohan Smith rues missed chances but sees physical improvement in Hull FC defeat

Boss Rohan Smith admitted Leeds Rhinos were punished for wasted chances in Friday’s 22-18 home defeat by Hull FC.
By Peter Smith
Published 24th Feb 2023, 22:34 BST
Updated 26th Feb 2023, 11:53 BST
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“I thought if our execution was somewhat better the result would have gone our way,” Smith said after seeing a late try end his unbeaten home record.

Rhinos looked on course for a first victory of the season when a try by David Fusitu’a 10 minutes from time edged them ahead for the second time in the game, but Hull rallied to snatch the winner soon afterwards following a Leeds error in their own half.

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Two games into the season, Rhinos without a win. Picture by Bruce RollinsonTwo games into the season, Rhinos without a win. Picture by Bruce Rollinson
Two games into the season, Rhinos without a win. Picture by Bruce Rollinson
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Though Leeds hit back from 10 points down, they failed to take anything from three defence-splitting breaks in the second half and Smith admitted it was “a game of missed chances.”

He said: “We created a lot of ruck speed in the first half, a lot of it unrewarded with failure to find the right play.

“In the second half we created a lot of opportunities; I thought we won the physical battle, but we didn’t execute.”

Leeds conceded four tries and Smith said: “There were a couple of poor defensive moments in the game, which we were punished for, but overall I thought our defence looked in control.

Rhinos celebrate David Fusitu'a 's converted try which seemed to have won the game, but they couldn't hang on. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Rhinos celebrate David Fusitu'a 's converted try which seemed to have won the game, but they couldn't hang on. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Rhinos celebrate David Fusitu'a 's converted try which seemed to have won the game, but they couldn't hang on. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
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“There was a lot of intent, a lot of effort put in and we put ourselves in a position to win the game. Those things are pleasing,but we didn’t go on with it and everyone is disappointed.”

Smith confirmed forward Morgan Gannon failed a head injury assessment in the first half, ruling him out of next week’s game at St Helens.

Related topics:RhinosLeedsHull FCMorgan GannonHullSt Helens