Sky Sports pundits claim Leeds Rhinos tactic is “hard to accept”

Leeds Rhinos play with what has been branded as a passive defence.

Many have been critical of it, even their fans at times.

Now one of their former players has had their say.

Former Leeds skipper Stevie Ward said:

“Leeds are so interesting. Leeds play well when they don’t have that expectation or pressure. They rise to occasion when they don’t have those shackles on them.

“I know the excitement and the energy you get when you are playing for Leeds against Wigan but at home against Salford it is a different one.

“It is a game you need to win but it is difficult to get up for.

“I look at Leeds’ defence and their passive defence and understanding their lack of intensity and lack of bite that they show.

“I am interested by the passive defence, they almost throw a net over their opponents.”

Meanwhile Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke questioned if their defensive system is why they often find themselves behind in game: “Maybe that hasn’t helped the start of matches. They’re not starting games aggressive enough.”

Meanwhile, Barrie McDermott claimed it is hard to accept the tactic especially when defending their own line: “It’s hard to accept passive defence that close to your line, it is like the edge of the cliff. You’ve got to get up off your line”