Rohan Smith disappointed with his side’s “poor defence”

Many might pinpoint Leeds Rhinos’ loss last night down to their missed chances – after all they had so many huge opportunities to put the game to bed.

However, for Rohan Smith his side’s “poor defensive lapses” were equally concerning.

He said after the game: “A couple of poor defensive lapses really cost in the game which we were punished for again but overall our defence looked largely in control.

“We won a lot of physical collisions more than the opposition I would suggest.”

He went on to elaborate on what is wrong with the Leeds defence at present.

The Rhinos had a brilliant defence at the end of last year but have conceded 64 points to start the season. Only Wakefield Trinity have conceded more.

Smith said:

“It takes some time to get your goal line defence really smooth, maybe smooth is not the right word. It takes time to find a way to execute, and keep the ball off the ground because ultimately you can have all the systems you want but it is the team with the best scramble that has the best defence at the end of the year regardless of system.

“It is system and effort that goes into it.

“As much as you train competitively, you don’t do full contact, full combat like a game there’s two points on the line.

“It takes some time to get up to speed. I have watched the NRL Trials and some top teams have been equally off.

“It is hard at this time of the year to have all systems go on every aspect. Last week we found a bit of grit in the second half, this week we found ruck speed and physical dominance but didn’t find the execution.

“Next week we will try to get a more complete performance.”