Leeds Rhinos boss gives Jake Connor verdict as Man of Steel leader stars again

Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says he has done “nothing special” to spark play-maker Jake Connor’s sensational resurgence this season.

The Man of Steel leader had what Arthur reckoned was his best game for the club – scoring a try, setting up two others and kicking four goals from five attempts – as Leeds completed a fifth successive win with a 36-12 hammering of Warrington Wolves.

Connor joined Rhinos in pre-season after being released from the final year of his contract with Huddersfield Giants and his form has been at the heart of Leeds’ surge up the table to third place after 14 Super League rounds.

Before joining Leeds, Connor had a reputation for being a difficult individual to manage, but Arthur played down his own role in the “gifted” play-maker’s impressive form.

“I’ve done nothing special with him, just been honest,” he insisted. “I was asked when we first signed him if I was concerned and I said no.

“I knew the playing group wouldn’t let him be any different than the way we want him to be. I think the players and the club have to take credit for that.”

Leeds Rhinos star’s attitude praised

Assessing Connor’s effort against Warrington, the Rhinos boss said: “He was good, he probably wasn’t as spectacular today, but I felt like it has been his best game – nice and controlled and balanced for the full 80 minutes.

“There were no real highlights and then lowlights, he was nice and level and controlled. It is a tough role, that seven spot and he is doing a good job and warming to it.

“He has got plenty of skill and quality and I just keep pushing him about owning his effort and physicality and working with him on control and when and where and why to play. He is doing a good job.”

The coach also praised co-captain Cameron Smith, who came off the bench to score Leeds’ opening two tries.

He has yet to start in four matches since returning from injury and Arthur stressed: “It just shows the attitude of the guys.

“His ego has taken a bit of a hit coming off the bench, but he hasn’t worried about it and he is doing his job.

“There may be a time when he comes back into the starting line up, but he is doing such a good job for us off the bench and he’s getting lots of minutes. It shows the team’s nice and happy at the moment.”

An impressive Saturday night outing for the Rhinos as they maintain their spot in third place in the Betfred Super League
FULL TIME
Rhinos 36 – 12 Wolves
🤝 In partnership #Anchor #ButtertheFoodButtertheMood pic.twitter.com/Zup4W3Fikd

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) June 14, 2025