Under-fire Leeds Rhinos man earns praise after “best performance of the season”

Leeds Rhinos signed Matt Frawley in the summer, as one of a number of high-profile overseas signings. Frawley joined alongside fellow recruits Brodie Croft, Paul Momirovski and Lachie Miller, with all expected to help thrust the Rhinos into the top six in Super League. 

To varying degrees, all have had an inconsistent start to life at Leeds. Croft has been the biggest success so far, although has missed time through injury. Similarly, Momirovski has looked solid when on the pitch, but has had an unfortunate run of luck where fitness is concerned.

Lachie Miller has blown hot and cold, looking electric in possession, but his lack of top-level Rugby League experience has shown at times. And then there is Matt Frawley.

Frawley was meant to be Leeds’ organiser this season, but has been criticised heavily by fans for his performances. He was dropped from the Leeds side that won against London and still has a lot to do to win over the Leeds crowd.

However, Frawley produced a much improved performance in Leeds’ win over Castleford, and fans will be hoping he can continue to show improvement.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds Rhinos players from the Super League era?

Leeds Rhinos boss praises under-fire signing

Speaking in the aftermath of Leeds’ win over Castleford, Leeds head coach, Rohan Smith, singled Frawley out for praise in a strong overall performance for the side.

Asked whether he thought this was Matt Frawley’s best performance in a Leeds Rhinos shirt, Smith agreed. He believes that, while Frawley has had some solid performances overall, his try-scoring appearance yesterday represented a real step forward in his play.

“Probably. Yeah, probably. I think he’s had some good solid performances where today he got the sort of fruits of playing short and using his lead runner today when Rhyse [Martin] scores it looks like a good play and he obviously found his own try with good support from Sangare on the inside.

“So he’s come up with some really good plays. He had a really good week in preparation. Both he and Brodie have really stepped forward this week and taken a lot of ownership of the attack implementation, what we’re going to do, but also getting it to happen in practice, really taking a step forward. So it was nice to see that actioned as well on the pitch.”

Frawley, who had a previous spell in Super League with Huddersfield Giants, has played 12 times for the Rhinos this season. The only game he missed was the game against London. He has two tries and four try assists in a Rhinos shirt so far.