Things aren’t great for Leeds Rhinos at the moment with their season seemingly at a low after defeats to Leigh Leopards, St Helens and Hull KR undid the good work from their back to back wins over Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants.
The play-offs aren’t out of the question but they seem unlikely and naturally it seems like this season isn’t really going anywhere after they let go of star player Blake Austin last week joining Castleford Tigers.
There was no replacement which was the same with Kruise Leeming.
As fans question how they will get back to the top, the Rhinos were poor against Leigh Leopards who had one eye on Wembley losing to tries from Edwin Ipape and Tom Amone. Both were ‘soft’ tries so to say.
And the Rhinos offered little in attack hence the low scoring 13-6 defeat to the Leopards with Jarrod O’Connor scoring the only try for Leeds with it being a dummyhalf run.
After the game fans remarkably branded it as “boring” as anger was absent and there just seemed to be disappointment.
Really poor again, no threat at all with the ball and no aggression. Boring to watch.
— Ian Strickland (@Woodystrick) August 6, 2023
Some fans called for change at the club as they face another season outside the top four and a sixth season since a Grand Final win.
This is on Hetherington and Craddick. Hang your heads in shame! This club is going nowere fast! Wonder how many fans are going to turn there back on the club next year this has gone on for far too long now
— GRACE Scaffolding (YORKSHIRE) Limited (@gracescaffyorks) August 6, 2023
The wider picture was continually referenced.
An on pitch performance to match that of our off pitch operations. Dire
— jon winter (@jonb4g) August 6, 2023
Even the mastermind behind their Golden Generation, Gary Hetherington was questioned.
Gary Hetherington needs to be asked some serious questions. Let 2 first team players leave through the season and brings nobody in. The club have no ambition.
— Tim Conley (@Tim_conley10) August 6, 2023
One fan said they wouldn’t be paying for a season ticket in 2024. Leeds have the biggest fan base in Super League and routinely have the best average attendance despite a lack of success in recent times.
They recorded the biggest attendance of the weekend on Sunday.
I’ll be keeping hold of my season ticket money for next year. Can’t wait for the GH email about “everything being in hand” and 20% off our 165th kit release of the year
— Gareth Mann (@walrusdentist) August 6, 2023
One fan told the club they are as far away from the fans as they have been.
Not sure we’ve had a lower point than where we are now. Not standing in the league I mean the disillusionment of what’s happening. You couldn’t be further away to the fans than you are now
— Gaz (@gazlufc9) August 6, 2023
Ultimately, fans branded it a “farce” and continued to label it as boring.
That was actually so bad it was boring. Seemed like the players weren't interested either. What a farce this season has turned in to.
Most importantly, I hope the supporter being attended to by a medical team on the Western Terrace is OK.
— Leeds Rhinos Newsroom (@RhinosNewsroom) August 6, 2023
Leeds now have a week off. They’d arguably have to win every game in their run in to secure a play-off spot but at this point with now natural senior stand off it seems unlikely.
Focus firmly feels focused on the 2024 season and potentially beyond as Rohan Smith gets his teeth into a real rebuild.
Rugby League on TV
How to watch Rugby League on TV this week as BBC show four epic fixtures
