Phil Clarke says he likes watching this side play

Phil Clarke has said that he enjoys watching Leeds Rhinos play more than most teams because of the variety of their style of play.

This was best exemplified by the win over Catalans Dragons last week in moments such as when Blake Austin produced a crossfield kick with Rhyse Martin break away setting up Harry Newman’s first try.

Clarke said, on a day when they debated on Sky Sports about the value of entertainment compared to wins, he is more tempted to watch Leeds because of their style of play:

“The variety in the way Leeds play certainly has me more interested in watching them play.”

Terry O’Connor added:

“This is the way Rohan Smith wants to play. He said in a press conference in pre-season that he would be committed to short kick-offs and drop outs.”

This came as Jon Wilkin said that it is “a sad reflection” on the game that the less entertaining teams are successful:

“Ideally you do both, sport is entertainment. So in a perfect world you would like to entertain and win but the brutal reality of sport is sometimes the more dower approach is more effectively, statistically it is more rewarding, less risk more reward.

“That is a sad reflection on the game. For me I like to see teams attack but risk and reward but Leeds are a risky team but they aren’t outscoring teams or blowing them away. They aren’t scoring many points yet.”