Leeds Rhinos’ playmaker Jake Connor has given an honest assessment of his own and the team’s performance in last week’s Challenge Cup loss, outlining the need for a big response on Sunday when they take on Hull FC in Super League.
The Rhinos’ lack of recent Challenge Cup success continued as they crashed out to Wakefield Trinity in round four of the competition last Friday with Connor admitting that he ‘let himself down’ with his showing.
“It was disappointing last week but we’ve got to move on quick,” the 2025 Man of Steel said in a video shared on the Leeds Rhinos’ YouTube channel.
“We’ve got a tough game coming up at FC this week and we’ve got to bounce back, so we’re expecting a reaction.”
Brad Arthur’s side will have benefited from a longer turnaround than their opponents, with Connor welcoming that after the club’s busy schedule so far.
He said: “Obviously playing in Vegas then having a five-day turnaround is pretty tough on the body.
“We’ve got a longer turnaround this week and it’s a chance to freshen up and sharpen our focus as well.”
Leeds Rhinos tasked with getting back on track versus Hull FC
Previewing his former club, Connor said: “They’ve been unfortunate with a couple of key injuries to them but I think a few of the games they’ve been in, they could have nicked. It’s not an easy place to go so we’re expecting a tough game.”
As for the Rhinos, he called on the club to put last week behind them and take inspiration from the form they showed in rounds two, three and four of Super League, where they recorded heavy wins over York Knights, Hull KR and Castleford Tigers.
He said: “We need to get back to how we’ve been playing at the start of the year. We know against Wakey, that wasn’t us. We’ve had our meetings about it and trained really well. We just want to get back out there and correct it this week.”
On his own form, he added: “Yeah I am (pleased). I probably let myself down last week but apart from that performance I feel like I’ve been playing well and getting the boys around the field. We’ve all got to keep improving and get that consistency.”
Hull FC under pressure, Huddersfield Giants in crisis and shock Super League predictions – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
