Leeds Rhinos came up short in a tight and impressive clash between two of the big heavyweights in Super League as they lost 18-8 against St Helens.
The Rhinos led 8-0 thanks to a Luis Roberts try and two goals from Rhyse Martin but Leeds would concede three tries without reply as the Saints finished the game stronger.
This was surmised perfectly by Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith who addressed how they started the game but also how the control of the game faded away.
Smith said on Sky Sports: “Firstly, it was a good first half from us and we nailed a lot of things but we didn’t see that reflected on the scoreboard.
“But St Helens are a great team, they are a champion team and they are used to those kind of games at a high level.
“Momentum and flow doesn’t always reflect points in a game and you have got to be patient enough to wait and get those points later on.
“We were not patient enough to get them later on but I take nothing away from St Helens because they were gritty and patient.”
Leeds Rhinos boss pleased with first five rounds
Credit: Imago Images
The Leeds Rhinos Head Coach also spoke on the ruck speed and hearing the frustration in the crowd.
He said: “In terms of the ruck speed, you can hear it in the crowd. In the end the better team won, so I take nothing away from St Helens.
“We’ll now take a breath and go again next week. We have proved today we can go toe to toe with the big guys.”
That being said, Smith is delighted with his side’s culture and attitude after the five games this season.
He said: “In the five games we have played we have had some big battles, we now need to tidy some things up and go again.
“There were a number of players who have done well but Lachie Miller has started to progress and he was really good tonight.
“It’s a massive move for Australian players coming here. There is the culture, weather and a lot of things are different.
“But you have to be patient, which we will be and he’ll only improve if we’re all patient enough.”
