Rohan Smith reveals another blow for Leeds Rhinos

It is now back to back defeats for Leeds Rhinos.

Leeds went down 22-12 to Salford Red Devils last night at Headingley.

It was another slow start. Against Leigh Leopards last time out, the Rhinos found themselves 16-0 down early. This time they trailed 12-0 after a Blake Austin sin bin and tries for Rhys Williams and Sam Stone.

Leeds hit back before the break through Richie Myler after a brilliant break created by Harry Newman and off contract forward Sam Walters.

At 12-6 at the break, Leeds looked like they could kick on but penalties from Marc Sneyd either side of a try for Ellis Longstaff gave Salford a 22-6 lead. A James Bentley try gave Leeds hope but it wasn’t their night.

One positive was the display of young Jack Sinfield for Leeds. He filled in for the injured Aidan Sezer and game up with some nice touches including the kick for Bentley’s try.

However, he went off after a nasty bang to the face.

After the game Rohan Smith confirmed he had failed his HIA and therefore would miss next week’s clash with Wigan Warriors.

This is a sizeable blow given it means Leeds have no cover for Aidan Sezer next week in a big game.

Smith though was confident in his side’s versatility: “We have some versatility and some options there in our roster, it is about who is playing rather than who isn’t.”

Morgan Gannon has played in the halves in pre-season and returned tonight.

Meanwhile Richie Myler can play there but this would mean Ash Handley would be forced to move to fullback so it would be plenty of shuffling around for the Rhinos.