'We had a good crack': Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith sees some positives in heavy defeat at St Helens

Leeds Rhinos suffered yet more disciplinary woe in Friday night’s 42-12 drubbing at St Helens.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rhinos, who have been dogged by cards and suspensions all season, had Zane Tetevano sent-off and both Bodene Thompson and James Bentley sin-binned, all in separate incidents in the final quarter.

It was the second red card of Tetevano’s Leeds career, both at St Helens.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was dismissed for a foul on Konrad Hurrell, Thompson was banished for 10 minutes following a trip and Bentley was accused of a professional foul.

Zane Tetevano was sent-off for the second time in his Leeds career, both at St Helens. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.Zane Tetevano was sent-off for the second time in his Leeds career, both at St Helens. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.
Zane Tetevano was sent-off for the second time in his Leeds career, both at St Helens. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

Coach Rohan Smith stressed he has yet to study the incidents in detail, but said: “I thought Bodene got caught off-balance and I don't know whether he made first contact with his hands or what.

"The other one [Tetevano] looked spectacular, but I haven't seen the point of contact on the replay."

Of Bentley’s fourth card of the campaign in his first game back after a three-match ban, Smith added: “I didn’t see it, I was looking at our players and the next thing he’s in the bin.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rhinos trailed 16-6 at the break and were only eight points adrift deep in the third quarter.

Zak Hardaker is tackled. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.Zak Hardaker is tackled. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.
Zak Hardaker is tackled. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

Assessing their performance, Smith said: "I thought we came to play and we had a good crack.

"We showed good intent with our defence.

"We stretched them a few times in the piece, it was a good, hard game and I thought at half-time the score was reflective, but they played better for longer in the end."

Smith said winger Ash Handley is a doubt for the trip to Hull in eight days' time after picking up an injury in the second half.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.