Brian Carney makes surprising prediction about Leeds Rhinos

Tonight last year’s beaten Grand Finalists Leeds Rhinos begin the 2023 Super League season against Warrington Wolves.

Reaching the Grand Final last year under the guidance of new boss Rohan Smith with sensational form, fans are expecting big things for the Rhinos in 2023.

This excitement after a wild ride in 2023 was summed up by Brian Carney on Talksport.

“Leeds had a crazy season in 2022. They were second bottom over half way through and they had a change at the top,” said the Sky Sports presenter.

“Club legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan came in for a couple of games to try and steady the ship and then they brought in Rohan Smith, the nephew of Tony Smith.

“He didn’t have a heap of experience barring a spell at Bradford quite a few years earlier, but he resurrected the club.

“People forget they were still ninth with a few rounds to go but they snuck into the play-offs and they went away to Catalans and won, then they went to Wigan and won.

“It was incredible that they made the Grand Final from where they were, from being second bottom and to make it to the final was brilliant and they start the season with a great deal of hope at the start of this season and expectations will be high.”

However, Carney doesn’t think the Rhinos will make the top four:

“Big things will be expected but I’m still not sure Leeds will be one of the top four clubs. Anything around of the play-offs should be seen as successful.”