Defending Aidan Sezer after he made four metres from six carries against Hull FC

On Friday night Leeds Rhinos suffered a second defeat in a row to start the season.

It was a much better display from the Rhinos against Hull FC compared to their 42-10 opening day defeat to Warrington Wolves.

The Rhinos won the arm wrestle against Hull FC in Round Two but didn’t score enough points and conceded too many at the other end of the field.

They led 18-16 after 70 minutes when a David Fusitu’a try brought the Rhinos level with Rhyse Martin converting to give Leeds the lead after Kruise Leeming’s try brought Leeds close.

However, a Scott Taylor try won the game for Hull FC.

It shouldn’t have done given the chances Leeds had, the game should have been won by the Rhinos long before this try.

The likes of Nene MacDonald, Cameron Smith and Ash Handley all made breaks which could and should have been turned into tries.

In light of this defeat, naturally there has been criticism towards the Rhinos and certain players such as Aidan Sezer.

Many Leeds fans have expressed concern on social media that he only made four metres from six carries.

However, to criticise him based on this statistic is perhaps harsh of a halfback given their job is to move the ball into dangerous areas and create chances for his teammates.

Now he perhaps should have run more often to create doubt in the defence’s mind.

However, Sezer kicked produced five tactical kicks including a brilliant 40/20.

He also notched the assist for Fusitu’a’s try with a lovely ball over the top.

This is proof of what Sezer can offer the Rhinos beyond metres made.

Making metres is an important balance for a halfback. If they are making too many it can blunt the attack and sap them of energy, too little perhaps makes the attack too predictable but he was the least of Leeds’ issues.

Had the Rhinos been executing on their breaks, this would perhaps not be getting the same attention.

Sezer can perhaps prove his quality in a game against the Super League Champions after he missed the Grand Final against St Helens.

Can he show what might have been at Old Trafford had he played.