Hull KR 20-12 Leeds Rhinos: Highlights, player ratings and talking points

In the wet it was Jordan Abdull’s brilliant kicking game that killed Leeds at Craven Park tonight.

Highlights:

Kicked to death
After 25 minutes of Jordan Abdull kicking Leeds to death, finally a kick led to a try as a spiral bomb was left by Derrell Olpherts and after the bounce Louis Senior picked it up and scored.

Another kick and another try
This time Abdull kicked along the floor, debutant Luke Hooley got there but collided with the returning Mikolaj Oledzki and lost the ball allowing Jesse Sue to score.

Perfect start to the second half for Hull KR
A brilliant kick off which bounced back to Jesse Sue teed up Hull KR for a fast start to start the second half and straight off the back of that Kane Linnett powered over.

Leeds strike back with a kick of their own
With their first chance of the game, Aidan Sezer drilled the ball behind and Luis Roberts grounded for his firs Leeds try.

Consolation for the Rhinos
Late on in the game the Rhinos scored another try from a kick this time James McDonnell crossing.

Talking Points:

Abdull for Man of Steel
Jordan Abdull could make a good claim to being the bets number seven in Super League and he was again exceptional today. In fact he was the difference between the two teams.

Once again Leeds hit by injuries
Every season when it seems like Leeds are sparking into life they seem to pick up key injuries. Nene MacDonald’s absence was keenly felt as was the loss of David Fusitu’a midway through. Ash Handley was also missing in that area and it meant Leeds didn’t have a single member of their first choice back three on the field.

New steel at Craven Park
There is a new attitude at Hull KR. They are no longer just about flair but about the basics and getting through the grind. This is was the top teams do.

Frustrating Rhinos
Leeds must be one of the most frustrating teams to watch for their fans. From week to week it is almost like watching a different side. Unfortunately they were under par again tonight and looked stifled by the conditions.

Player Ratings:

1 Lachlan Coote – 8
23 Louis Senior – 8
24 Sam Wood – 7
16 James Batchelor – 7
5 Ryan Hall – 7
20 Mikey Lewis – 8
7 Jordan Abdull – 9
15 Rhys Kennedy – 8
9 Matt Parcell – 7
10 George King – 7
11 Frankie Halton – 7
12 Kane Linnett – 8
13 Elliot Minchella – 7
Substitutes
8 Jesse Sue – 8
14 Jez Litten – 7
22 Dean Hadley – 7
26 Sam Luckley – 7

Leeds Rhinos
21 Luke Hooley – 5
2 David Fusitu’a – N/A
3 Harry Newman – 5
12 Rhyse Martin – 5
16 Derrell Olpherts – 5
6 Blake Austin – 7
7 Aidan Sezer – 7
18 Tom Holroyd – 6
14 Jarrod O’Connor – 8
10 Zane Tetevano – 6
11 James Bentley – 7
19 James McDonnell – 7
13 Cameron Smith – 7
Substitutes
8 Mikolaj Oledzki – 6
15 Sam Lisone – 6
17 Justin Sangare – 6
24 Luis Roberts – 6