Leeds Rhinos were unlucky to lose to St Helens on Friday night given the blistering start they made to the game.
The Rhinos were electric in the first 30 minutes but only led 8-0 by the time the first half an hour came to an end and by halftime it was 8-6 as they would go on to lose 18-8.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sam Tomkins was brutally honest about Leeds’ style of play and its part in their defeat.
Asked if the defeat for Leeds came from Saints turning things around or Leeds falling away, Tomkins said: “It was probably a combination of the two. In the first half, Leeds had a clear plan. When they received a kick from Saints, Lachlan Miller was passing it straight to his left edge and I think that was game plan, they wanted to get round Konrad Hurrell and they thought that was a mismatch out there on the left edge in terms of speed with Ash Handley out there.
“The second half they didn’t quite get those opportunities. I think that was partly down to Saints’ kick chase being a little bit better but I also don’t think Leeds had the energy. There were times when Lachie Miller wanted to look and he couldn’t. It takes that much out of you because you’re moving whether you have the ball or not.
“You’re moving left and switching it back right which was an effort to break down the Saints attack and I think it took it out them and they were left a little bit leggy. It will only last so long.”
Jamie Jones-Buchanan has say on Leeds Rhinos defeat
Credit: Imago Images
Meanwhile, Leeds Rhinos Jamie Jones-Buchanan felt that Leeds paid the price psychologically for their lack of points in the first 30 minutes against the Saints.
The seven time Grand Final winner said: “I also thought it was a psychological energy drain as well. When you have thrown that many punches in the first half and come away with very little on the scoreboard, you go what do we need to break this side down.”
A minor tweak needed at Headingley
Leeds are without a doubt the best team to watch in Super League so far in 2024 but is their brand of rugby sustainable.
Over the course of the season, fitness should build but pitches should also get firmer making moving around the field less exhausting.
However, one small tweak that could amend things for the Rhinos may be as simple as allowing the ball to do more of the work which is something they did better in the opening four rounds compared to last night.
