Phil Clarke suggests Super League side’s success was “a fluke” in “lucky season”

Leeds Rhinos may have beaten Wigan Warriors on Friday with a sensational second half but the Rhinos are still outside the top six after 12 rounds with six defeats to their name.

Phil Clarke asked the questioned on Friday night whether the Rhinos’ Grand Final appearance last year was “a fluke” at the end of a “lucky season.”

He said on Sky Sports:

“At this stage of the season I am asking myself, were Leeds a lucky season last year. Was it a fluke that they got to the Grand Final? Or was it a timed run and will we see a side that can do that again.

“They’re not much different from last year. They’re the eighth best in terms of points scored, ninth for points conceded.

“None of the stats indicate that Leeds will be a top six team at the moment but there is more than half of the season to go.”

Stevie Ward also pointed out that defensively the Rhinos haven’t been good enough after conceding nearly 40 tries so far this season which is over three tries per game:

“In terms of tries conceded they have conceded 38. They have to fix this up.”

The Rhinos have shown promise at times this season but need to rediscover their defensive form from the second half of last season.