Leeds Rhinos fans say the same thing about play-off push under Brad Arthur

Leeds Rhinos fans seem to be losing hope of seeing their side reach the Super League play-offs this season. At least that’s according to the comments on a Serious About Rugby League Facebook post asking supporters about their side’s chances of claiming a top six finish with seven games remaining.

The Rhinos are currently seventh in the Super League table, four points behind Catalans Dragons and St Helens. However, after Brad Arthur’s side missed the chance to move within two points of the top six on Saturday as they lost to Salford Red Devils, it seems the odds are very much against them.

There’s plenty of rugby league still to be played and Leeds might fancy their chances of beating Wigan Warriors this Saturday, given the Cherry and Whites will be playing their third game in the space of 11 days. However, Leeds still have Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Hull KR to play, while they will meet Wigan once more on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Three of those teams are competing for the League Leaders’ Shield, while Catalans have their eyes on yet another Grand Final appearance, too. It’s a tricky run and arguably the toughest run-in of any team in Super League.

And, after Saturday’s 22-16 loss at the Salford Stadium, optimism is in short supply among the Leeds Rhinos fanbase. Here’s what some fans had to say when asked if Leeds could still claim a top six spot.

“No, sadly,” one Facebook user said. “Some great players in the side but they’re not getting it together. Think that’s why Martin decided to go. KR is definitely a better prospect for success in 2025. It looks like Rhinos will have a few more years of mediocrity before they’re a force again.”

Another added: “Sadly I’m not confident that even with Brad Arthur as coach there are too many issues to fix, not least of which is all-round fitness. We still need a captain.”

“No, Saints have got some hard games so have we,” another person commented. “We are way off how they are playing let alone the other top 5 teams. The players are just not at the races, shocking to say how much money got invested in this team. With having a coach not confirmed long term how can confidence be there that the correct players or planning for next season will be correct for whoever the coach will be.”

One person commented simply: “No. We are not good enough. Season is all but over.”

Some pointed to the upcoming schedule as a reason why a top six spot might evade Leeds on this occasion: “No…more difficult games to play yet.”

Catalans’ loss to London Broncos offered others a slim amount of hope: “After that London result the hopes are still alive but it’s gonna be hard playing the way we have been.”

Another person pointed to next season as Leeds’ best chance: “Perhaps there’s an outside chance in 2025 .. much depends upon player recruitment and the coach over the closed season.”