“Get rid” – Leeds Rhinos fans fuming after being dumped out of Challenge Cup

For the second week in a row, St Helens have defeated Leeds Rhinos at Headingley but last night’s performance was a far way from last week as Rohan Smith’s side lost 20-6.

Whilst the scoreline isn’t that wide, it was a game of near-total domination from St Helens with much of the game played in Leeds’ half and their only score being a 90-yard intercept try.

That try from Harry Newman actually put the Rhinos up and could have potentially been a turning point but Saints fended off any collapse and regained the lead before the break.

It was Daryl Clark who put Saints in front as he exposed the Rhinos’ poor goalline defence and he was perhaps lucky to avoid a red card in the second half.

With the score still 10-6 a minor scuffle began but it was worsened when Clark piled in and pushed Leeds forward Tom Holroyd over the advertising boards, an incident that has caused upset among many Rhinos fans.

That upset has been heightened by the fact they went on to concede two more tries and crash out of the Challenge Cup once again, marking the fourth consecutive year that they’ve failed to win a game in the competition.

Fans have since taken to social media to share their frustrations with head coach Rohan Smith the target of many fans upset, however, Smith himself was more than upset at the ruck speed and how the game was officiated.

Is it “time for change” at Leeds Rhinos? Fans fume over second consecutive loss

Fans were almost unanimous in their upset at the fact that the game wasn’t on live BBC television, instead shown on iPlayer and the Red Button with limited pre- and post-game analysis.

“Pity about the poor BBC coverage” was the assessment of one fan on X.

Great game, great win, pity about the poor BBC coverage

— Ruth Clayton (@RuthClayton7) March 22, 2024

As for fans of Leeds Rhinos, there was far more than just the BBC coverage to be concerned with as many called for Rohan Smith to be removed from his position.

The Australian failed to lead the Rhinos to the playoffs in 2023 and has started this season with three wins and three losses, albeit against tough opposition.

That didn’t matter for one fan who labelled Smith as “too arrogant for his own good”, deeming it “time to get a proper coach in”.

Only Rohan Smith can coach a team in the driving rain to play warm weather rugby and only use 16 men.

The bloke is an too arrogant for his own good. Time to get a proper coach in.

— jon winter (@jonb4g) March 22, 2024

Another labelled the loss as “embarrassing”, adding that they’d given up their season ticket prior to the year as they called for change at the top.

That defeat was embarrassing, Rhinos couldn’t catch a cold tonight let alone the ball. I gave season ticket up this season same old dross same as last season. Smith out time for a change.

— Alistair Smith (@Alistair_Big) March 22, 2024

One fan pleaded: “Come on uncle Gary, you’ve spent big money for Rohan and he’s letting you down. Get rid of the man.”

Come on uncle Gary, you’ve spent big money for Rohan and he’s letting you down. Get rid of the man

— Josh Jackson (@joshjacksonlrfc) March 22, 2024

Not all criticism was aimed at Smith though with the forward pack labelled as “one of the worst ever seen” for a fan of 61 years.

As a Leeds fan of 61 years standing, and no doubt referred to as an old git, I can honestly say the Rhinos pack is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. At one stage there were more Leeds forwards in the Saints line than their own. No enforcers, no ball-players, no tackle-busters.

— Jake James #FBPE #RejoinEU #FBPA #GTTO (@MFIJake) March 22, 2024

As normal, some fans resorted to the excuse of blaming the referee with particular reference to Jon Bennison’s try in the second half.

Fans and players for Leeds Rhinos seemed to think that Joe Batchelor had knocked on but it was instead deemed a kick and Saints were quickest to react allowing them to score.

One fan posted: “Clear knock on but Kendall has always been a saints fan so play on.”

Clear knock on but Kendall has always been a saints fan so play on

— Dean Halbert (@DeanHalbert29) March 22, 2024

Speaking of referees, former official Richard Silverwood was another ‘unconvinced’ by Rohan Smith as he stated that the Rhinos’ attack hadn’t improved despite big money being invested.

Silverwood said: “Leeds attack not improved since last year. Still not convinced by Rohan Smith as a coach.”

Leeds attack not improved since last year. Still not convinced by Rohan Smith as a coach.

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) March 22, 2024

Our Verdict on the Rhinos and Rohan Smith

Rohan Smith is undoubtedly a brilliant thinker and has likely forgotten more about rugby league than many fans will ever hope to know, but it’s true that his side are frustrating to watch.

They’re a team that can play a game in which the two halves of footy are like chalk and cheese, their win over Leigh Leopards being a prime example.

In the first half the Rhinos looked Championship-level at best, yet they seemed to flick a switch at the half as they went on to win 22-16.

Similarly, the intensity of the first half last week saw them put Saints under the pump before they went scoreless in the second forty to lose 18-10.

As Rohan’s Uncle Tony said in a press conference earlier in the week, it’s “crazy” to judge performances so early in the season, especially given how Leeds Rhinos have been built.

The Rhinos are a side that will thrive in summer rugby and dry conditions with their three defeats so far coming against losing Super League and Challenge Cup semi-finalists from 2023.