Rohan Smith says Leeds can’t overreact as he notes how momentum and “50/50s” went against them
September 23, 2022, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom: Rohan Smith Head Coach of Leeds Rhinos walks off the field after the 25th Betfred Super League Grand Final match St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, 23rd September 2022. Manchester United, ManU Kingdom - ZUMAn307 20220923_zsa_n307_064 Copyright: xJamesxHeaton/NewsxImagesx
Rohan Smith’s Leeds Rhinos side were stunned tonight by the Warrington Wolves.
After a winter of excitement at Headingley after the Rhinos had reached the Grand Final in 2022, they were beaten 42-10 by a revitalised Warrington Wolves side.
Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, Smith reflected on the defeat:
“We missed the jump early and Warrington were very good. We couldn’t find a way to turn them away and find pressure the other.”
However, he was cautious not to overreact to the defeat:
“Straight after the game, you can overreact. We struggled to stop their go forward at times, their spine controlled the game.”
He also spoke about the momentum which went against them in the game believing that this contributed to the 50/50 calls going against them:
“The 50/50s went their way because they were playing harder than us.”
That said he was pleased with the second half of the performance:
“I liked what I saw for a good portion of that second half. We played together. But the score was too far gone by then.”
Nonetheless, he underlined his surprise at the defeat:
“I’m surprised but when you’re not on your game that can happen. That is just what happens, this week is this week, next week is a different week.”