“Better times around the corner,” believes Richard Agar as he sheds light on potential signings

Things couldn’t be tougher for Richard Agar’s Leeds side at the moment.

With injuries in double figures, the Leeds boss has bemoaned the lack of luck on his side with just one star set to return.

“Liam Sutcliffe has got a chance at the moment in time, but that’s it,” said Agar.

“I don’t think we’ve had a game where we haven’t had less than ten players missing, so it goes without saying that it will impact us.

“The fact we haven’t been able to field the same spine for any two particular games and makeshift players playing there, that’s bound to have some impact on the team and what we’re able to do with the ball as well as in training when we’re trying to execute some defensive stuff.

“I wouldn’t say we saw it coming, we knew we had couple of injuries around pre-season and that we could face a few testy months, but the injuries we’ve picked up, it’s made it even more challenging.”

Agar’s main concern against Hull KR though was his side’s apparent lack of energy.

“Despite not getting some wins in the opening rounds, our effort was really good.

“Given the teams we were playing we had a lot to build off, but on Friday we had a very flat and energy-less performance which was a concern to us.

“We felt it a little bit in the week; we had our sport scientists telling us what we can and can’t do and we felt the boys were a little bit down.

“We tried our best to adapt and tailor the week to energise them, but 20 minutes into the game, the signs weren’t great for us.

“There’s been a different vibe to us this week, often as coaches we try and find positives in the performance and there were some good individual touches.

“Overall, it was a tough review and we have to hold each other accountable because there was ordinary stuff in there. Our players copped it on the chin and they’re re-energised this week.”

Though the injury list is extensive, Agar has not yet been tempted to delve into the transfer or loan market.

“We haven’t considered loanees because we feel that we’ve got guys coming back soon; to bring a loanee in for a week or two or someone who can help your team just isn’t feasible.

“There are better times around the corner; recruitment is always a 12-month a year project.

“There’s not a week that goes by without conversations about signings – a lot of clubs get linked with players, but for us at this moment in time we want to get our season up and running.

“Kevin (Sinfield) takes a lot of that responsibility behind the scenes, but we’re really happy with our squad, we just need it on the field.

“We need to look at our retention with how many are out of contract, though we do want to make one or two additions.”