Leeds Rhinos boss talks Kallum Watkins’ qualities, Huddersfield’s efforts and desire to win big games

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur shared his thoughts following his side’s victory over Huddersfield Giants on Good Friday.

Arthur was happy to get the win but was evidently disappointed by his side’s inability to hold their opponents to zero.

The Giants scored a consolation try in the 75th minute, which did not please the boss, but he was happy to take the two points.

He shared his thoughts post-match with Sky Sports and also praised Huddersfield’s efforts, especially in defence.

Arthur said: “For 70 minutes, I was really happy. The last ten, we should’ve been chasing a zero there against us and we just had a little bit of ill-discipline.

“We got camped on our tryline and they came up with a soft effort for a try. That’s a fix for us but overall, I was pretty pleased with the first forty minutes.

“We put them under lots of pressure, we only made one or two errors.

“You’ve got to give credit to those guys because they worked really hard, they scrambled on their line, they held us up over the line a few times and made some last-ditch tackles.”

The Leeds Rhinos head coach shared a few improvements that he’s been trying to make since taking charge and admitted there are still some improvements to be made, especially when it comes to closing out games.

He added: “We’re trying to learn and educate on how you win games, we can’t be chasing the scoreboard. We need to build pressure.

“They came up with some really great tackles in the first half so you’ve got to give them credit for it.

“We came out in the second half nice and relaxed and we knew that the work we’d put into them, they’d eventually fall off, which they did.

“But that last ten minutes, we’ve just got to be a bit more professional there and finish it off.”

Leeds Rhinos boss discuss Kallum Watkins influence and where his side need to focus next

Arthur pointed out Kallum Watkins in his second debut for the club, stating he’s only had two training sessions with the club before he threw him out into the side late in the first half.

On Watkins: “He’s going to be a big one for us. I thought his leg speed was good, he runs a good line, he can move out to the edge.

“We put him out on the right edge for the last ten minutes so he gives us that flexibility.

“As he starts to get more comfortable around the group, it’s his leadership on and off the field that’s going to be a really good asset for us.

Leeds Rhinos face possibly their biggest test of the season next week against Hull KR and Arthur said one of the main changes they need to make is beating the top sides.

He finished: “We’re learning how we need to play. Now we’ve got to learn how to win those tight, big games.

“We’ve lost a couple by two points against St Helens and Warrington. I probably thought we were the better team for most of the game but in the end, we didn’t know how to close it out and win those games.

“We’re going to have a tough assignment next week against Hull KR but we’re looking forward to it.”

The Rhinos make it back to back wins as Kallum Watkins scores on his return to the club
FULL TIME
Rhinos 28 – 6 Giants
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— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 18, 2025