Fans say the same thing after Leeds Rhinos lose to Salford Red Devils

Leeds Rhinos appeared to wave goodbye to their Super League playoff hopes yesterday when they lost 22-16 to Salford Red Devils in a lacklustre performance.

Head coach Brad Arthur cited his side’s “unprofessional” and “silly” aspects of the game as they committed more errors and missed more tackles than their opponents.

They also saw two men sent to the sin bin compared to the home side’s one, although both Tim Lafai and Rhyse Martin were deemed unlucky to be sent for ten by many spectating.

Simply put, Salford did the basics right that Leeds Rhinos were unable to do, completing their sets at a higher percentage and simply managing the game in the way that generals like Marc Sneyd are able to do.

For Leeds Rhinos, it’s left them six points shy of Salford and four shy of the top six with just seven games remaining causing fans to consider their season over, particularly when you consider they’re still to face Warrington, Catalans, Hull KR and Wigan twice.

They’ll likely have to win three of those five games and secure victory against both London and Hull FC and even then, 30 points may not be enough this season given how tough the competition is.

One thing is sure among fans though and that is that there has to be a major reset at Headingley if Leeds Rhinos are to become contenders again any time soon.

How can Leeds Rhinos turn it around?

One of the biggest issues in front of Leeds Rhinos is that they do not have a head coach in place for 2025 with Brad Arthur currently non-committal to his future at the club, despite accepting that he’s “not in a rush” to leave.

However, that decision surely has to be made sooner rather than later with recruitment far harder when players don’t know which coach they will be signing for, and Leeds Rhinos need plenty of recruitment.

One fan has called for an overhaul, stating: “Bleasey must be daunted by the scale of the root and branch rebuild job at Leeds.”

During his short stint as Sporting Director at Headingley, Ian Blease has hired Arthur but made little progress on recruitment and retainment, at least on the outside looking in.

Losing Rhyse Martin, something that was confirmed earlier in the week, is devastating but another fan claims there is no wonder that the forward wants out.

Not even a whisper of bringing anyone in before deadline day is criminal. No wonder Rhyse is running for the hills!

— GRACE Scaffolding (YORKSHIRE) Limited (@gracescaffyorks) August 3, 2024

Another was also keen for action: “Get the coaching appointment done now and let’s prepare, get rid of the dead wood and get signings done.”

More questions were asked of the higher-ups at the club as one fan claimed that the Rhinos “do not deserve to be” in the playoffs, arguing the “hierarchy of this club have destroyed it”.

We keep talking about play offs. We actually do not deserve to be in any kind of play offs. Embarrassment of a club. Miss seeing us competing for the full 80 regardless of the result. The hierarchy of this club have destroyed it and do not care.

— GRACE Scaffolding (YORKSHIRE) Limited (@gracescaffyorks) August 3, 2024

Of course, it wasn’t the hierarchy putting in the performance for 80 minutes yesterday but the players didn’t avoid criticism either.

One fan labelled it: “Absolutely pathetic, lads. Honestly, never gave ourselves a chance in that game.”

That sentiment was echoed by others and unfortunately for Leeds, it only gets tough as they travel to face Wigan in Round 21.

Got exactly what we deserved- Salford played the 2nd half like a side that wanted the playoffs more than us.
Some pathetic efforts from some of the players

— jon winter (@jonb4g) August 3, 2024

What a mess! Tons of mistakes. Terrible discipline. Out enthused.
We’ve far too many bang average players, and the ones that are decent disappear (or even compund things) when it gets tough. It speaks volumes when your captain appears to be just going through the motions.

— Another Dave 🔥 (@DaveSinners) August 3, 2024