Rohan Smith identifies Leeds Rhinos star who gives the crowd “energy” as he praises “all-round” player

Yesterday was a significant day in Leeds Rhinos’ season.

Not only did victory confirm Leeds’ Super League survival which for a large part of this season looked seriously under threat, it also saw them break into the top six for the first time this season as an unlikely play-off spot becomes more and more of a possibility.

Rohan Smith deserves huge credit for the way he’s turned things around at Headingley with Leeds playing great rugby – they’ve scored 248 points in their last six wins – but also demonstrated great steel in the win yesterday.

He’s turned the seasons around of so many players though one key performer yesterday can claim to have been in fine form prior to Smith’s arrival.

That would be Man of the Match Rhyse Martin whose two tries yesterday took him to eight for the season in all competitions – not bad for a second-row. He also kicked seven goals in the victory.

After the game, Smith praise Martin especially for his kicking accuracy after all he has kicked his last 23 attempts at goal.

He even noted how him lining up a conversion draws out energy and voice from the crowd.

“Rhyse is trusting his swing and putting the work in, they’re coming off sweet,” he said, “You can feel the energy in the crowd as soon as the ball hits his foot and then you hear the voice to follow.

“Rhyse is a good all round player.”

Though the win took Leeds into the play-offs, Smith noted that his side wouldn’t get carried away: “We’ve played well today and we’ve played pretty consistent over a period of time. We’ve not been at our best every week which we’re never going to be.

“We’re in a position where we’ve got control over the situation and that’s better than the opposite. It’s onto the next for me.”