Why Leeds Rhinos need to be much better against Super League champs St Helens

Leeds Rhinos will create their “own atmosphere” in Sunday's crunch home clash with St Helens.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Rhinos made a slow start against Huddersfield Giants last week, going 26-6 down before a storming fightback secured a 27-26 win in golden-point extra-time.

It was the first time they had played behind closed doors - and under new protocols designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus - but loose-forward Cameron Smith reckons lessons have been learned.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Smith said: “With the temperature checks and everything, the build up to the game is really different.

“Now we know what to expect, I am sure we will be ready to go from the off and not giving them any excuse to get into the game.

“We will be on - they are the current champions so we will be raring to go.”

Leeds are on a five-game winning run and began round eight top of Betfred Super League, but have lost their last four meetings with Saints.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This week is officially a home fixture for Leeds after they were the ‘away’ team last Sunday, despite the game being played at Emerald Headingley.

Cameron Smith is tackled during last week's game. Picture by James Hardisty.Cameron Smith is tackled during last week's game. Picture by James Hardisty.
Cameron Smith is tackled during last week's game. Picture by James Hardisty.

Smith stressed: “We spoke last week about creating our own atmosphere because you don’t get the feeling and the adrenaline you get when the crowd are there and the atmosphere the Leeds fans create.

“We have to create our own atmosphere and make sure we are on from the minute go.

“Obviously things didn’t go according to plan, which they don’t do all the time, but it just shows we can bounce back when we are under the pump.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rhinos can’t afford to go 20 points behind last year’s runaway league leaders and still hope to win, but the great escape against Giants has added to growing belief within coach Richard Agar’s side.

Cameron Smith scores against Hull KR in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Cameron Smith scores against Hull KR in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Cameron Smith scores against Hull KR in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

“We had a little talk at half-time and knew we had to deliver something in the second half and believe in the team, from one to 13,” Smith recalled.

“We spoke under the sticks when we conceded the full-length try and went 14 points down and we said we just have to go on and do what we do best.

“Games like that will help us towards the back end of the year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When I am looking across the board at my teammates, I just know we are on.

Cameron Smith signed a new three-year contract in March. Picture by James Hardisty.Cameron Smith signed a new three-year contract in March. Picture by James Hardisty.
Cameron Smith signed a new three-year contract in March. Picture by James Hardisty.

“I don’t know what was happening for the first 60 minutes, but when we did have to pull something out of the bag, we did - and credit to Galey [Luke Gale] for knocking that drop goal over, what a great kick that was.”

Smith is ever-present so far this year, but has started Leeds’ past two games - five months apart - on the bench.

He made an impact last weekend, giving Rhinos an extra attacking option in the frantic closing stages and admitted: “I was happy with my performance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would rather start than come off the bench, just to get rid of that nervous energy I had during the start of the game.

“I would rather go in from the off, but I thought I went all right.

“There are tons of things to work on after all the unknown with the six-again and the build up to the game and little things like that.

“I thought I went all right, but there’s much more to do and much more to see from me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am just excited, ready to get tons more games under my belt.”

Meanwhile, Warrington’s HJ Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for Rhinos’ home fixture against Salford Red Devils on Saturday, August 29.

The game will kick-off at 4.15pm.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins