Leeds Rhinos’ ‘unprofessional’ nature cost them v Salford claims Arthur

Leeds Rhinos saw their playoff chances take a major blow when they lost 22-16 to Salford Red Devils, leaving them four points adrift of the top six.

After the half-hour mark, Leeds Rhinos led 16-6 and looked in line to secure a crucial win but “unprofessional bits and pieces” and “silly things” slipped into their game and cost them according to head coach Brad Arthur.

It was the Australian’s third game in charge and marked his second loss, albeit an incredibly damaging one as it looks to have almost sealed Salford’s playoff berth whilst condemning Leeds to another season outside the top six.

There remain seven games of the season so plenty of rugby is left to be played but yesterday presented a huge opportunity for the Rhinos and it is one that they passed up.

Leeds Rhinos now run a gauntlet of fixtures against Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons, knowing in all likelihood that they must win at least two if they’re to have any hope of making the playoffs.

Leeds Rhinos boss rues ‘silly’ errors in Salford loss

Brad Arthur spoke post-game about what had cost his side with the Leeds Rhinos boss having no complaints about the effort but instead some of the execution, rueing the “unprofessional bits and pieces” of their game.

He explained: “The effort was very good. There was plenty of fight and turning up for each other but then still a lot of silly things with too many errors, sin bins and penalties, just lots of unprofessional bits and pieces of our game.

“That then led to frustration and then under frustration we were not making clear decisions with the ball and we were a little bit disconnected.”

He did give credit to his side’s staunch defence with Salford having so much ball thanks to the errors and penalties that Leeds offered up.

“I was frustrated and I could see the disappointment in the players and they should be disappointed because they tried so hard and probably done a reasonable job to keep Salford to three tries with the amount of ball and field position we give to them.

“We’ve just got to learn how to build the game and when we get an opportunity, we’ve got to stick to what we’ve practised during the week and be patient and just make sure we get some completions there.”