Leeds Rhinos suffer huge blow

Leeds Rhinos are battling Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils and a win against Hull FC helped their chances of making the top six.

The Rhinos did it tough without Aidan Sezer and Nene MacDonald with Ash Handley also missing out.

Leading to the question: Was he a late withdrawal?

Rohan Smith revealed that it could be an ongoing issue:

“Yeah he tried to get going yesterday morning but he wasn’t right so he’s sort of a week to week proposition at this point I’d say.”

As Leeds prepared to take on Hull FC, they have suffered a huge blow losing Ash Handley to injury.

Hull started the better as you might expect but Leeds defended well and Andre Savelio was perhaps guilty of overplaying at one point.

Leeds then struck first with a kick over the top with Luke Hooley on hand to score and make it 4-0.

Rhyse Martin would soon add a penalty to make it 6-0 to the Rhinos.

In a season of inconsistencies for Hull, one consistent has been the try scoring form of Adam Swift who scored again to make it 6-4 with Jake Clifford missing the effort at goal.

Leeds were the side who finished the half stronger with Sam Lisone maintaining his great form lately with his first two Leeds tries.

He barged over off an offload to make it 12-4 and it was 18-4 after he powered over from close range just before the break.

Straight after the break a Hull FC error led to a David Fusitu’a try to make it 22-4.

Hull FC needed a response and they got one when Barron went over in the corner despite an attempted tackle from Derrell Olpherts.

They were even closer when Cam Scott scored a try that needed a long debate from the officials to determine that it should be awarded.

Hull were turning up the heat and Leeds needed more good defence and the hand of Derrell Olpherts to stop Hull from scoring.

Clifford’s missed goals meant that they trailed 22-12 and needed to score in this period especially with Lisone crossing for a stunning hat trick storming through from 20 out and wrong footing the fullback to make it 28-12.

A devastating defeat for Hull FC that all but ends their season and their chances of making the play offs.

For Leeds their chances of making the play offs are still alive.