Stevie Ward suggests Super League side struggled to get up for recent game and that’s why they lost

Leeds Rhinos picked up an impressive win against Wigan Warriors on Friday after two defeats in a row.

Those defeats came against Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils when there was more pressure on them.

Stevie Ward believes that this is a problem for the Rhinos:

“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.”

He went on to suggest that the Rhinos might have struggled to get up for the game against Salford compared to the Wigan clash:

“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.”

He also questions the Rhinos’ passive defence:

“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.”

This is something Phil Clarke echoed: “Maybe that hasn’t helped the start of matches. They’re not starting games aggressive enough.”