Talking points: Rhinos still misfiring but they're also hard to beat

Leeds Rhinos captain and goalkicker, Kallum Watkins. PIC: Tony Johnson

1: Credit where it is due. Kallum Watkins’ goalkicking was perceived as a weak link earlier in the season, but he has been on target with his last nine attempts, over three games. His conversion of Ryan Hall’s try, which levelled the scores at KCOM Craven Park, was a beauty, off the touchline with his back to what was an incredibly loud and hostile crowd. He may still be a work in progress as a marksman, but he is getting there

2: From a spectator’s point of view, all these close games make for nail-biting entertainment, even if they haven’t been of the highest quality. However, it is frustrating from Rhinos’ perspective. The competition is close and Rhinos are in the top-four mix, but they need to be better. Too often they are going behind in games and for long periods they tend to look blunt in attack. They can do it, as their spell of three tries in 11 minutes at Hull proved, but at the moment something is missing.

3: A misfiring attack puts added pressure on defence. Leeds are doing too much tackling – which means they lack energy when they do have the ball – but their goal-line defence for most of the season has been outstanding. There have been lapses, Rhinos hung on to a two-point lead for 25 minutes at Hull KR. A try for the hosts seemed inevitable, but Leeds held out and twice Justin Carney was hauled down just short. If they can add some polish with ball in hand and maintain their defensive effort, they will be tough to beat.

Rhinos' 80-minute man Matt Parcell. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe

4: It wasn’t obvious from the press seats, but according to fans in the away section behind the posts Matt Parcell was unhappy at being substituted in the second half against Hull KR. It did seem a strange decision at the time. Parcell is an 80-minute player and always capable of making something happen, but Rhinos won the game so the tactic worked.

5: Leeds have conceded 32 penalties in their last three games, which is too many. Penalty counts at the moment are high and, whether that’s due to players or referees, it is something the sport needs to address.