Sean Long speaks on Richard Agar’s departure from Leeds Rhinos

It’s been a bit of a different week for Leeds Rhinos after the news of Richard Agar’s departure on Monday came out.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan has been placed in temporary charge of the West Yorkshire club with previous assistant Sean Long also stepping in.

And, Long has now had is say on what the mood in camp is like following Agar’s departure earlier on in the week as they looked forward to playing Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup Sixth Round today.

“It’s been very positive, we came in on Tuesday and really focused on Castleford – there’s been a bit of a spring in their step,” Long told the club’s YouTube channel.

“With it being a new competition and not Super League it’s taken their mind off it.

“It was disappointing to see Rich go and I’ve been in situations like this before – it’s all about getting the performance of the team.”

“What we’ve seen during the week has been good – it’s exciting times.”

Long has also stressed that the main aim of today’s fixture had been for the players to enjoy it.

“We were licking our wounds and emotionally we were drained – a little bit of anxiety crept into our game.

“We’ve relieved them of that pressure and let the shackles off and told them to go out there and enjoy it.”