“We can still make the play-offs” Rhinos fans remain confident despite defeat- How social media reacted to Castleford’s win over Leeds

Last night, Castleford conjured up a huge win against rivals Leeds to breathe new life into their season. It was a disappointing performance from the Rhinos who needed a win to remain in the top six. That was my view anyway but how did social media see it?

The big news before kick-off was the absence of Leeds skipper Matt Prior. Straight away Cas fans picked up on this straight away and were given even more hope that their side could conjure up a derby day win.

Matt Prior out which is a big plus. Come on Cas.

— Mark Power (@markpower105) August 6, 2021

As the game unfolded it became clear that Leeds would miss Prior along with other key players like Mikolaj Oledzki and Luke Gale.

Lads had the first five minutes but haven’t really been on the field since. A lot of work to do. Missing Prior, Oledzki and Gale.

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) August 6, 2021

In Prior’s absence, the captain’s armband fell to Ash Handley and it’s safe to say plenty of Leeds fans were pleased to see a Leeds lad lead the team out even if the contest didn’t end in victory.

congrats to ash handley on been handed the captains armband for tonight

— emma_tr4_rhinos🦏🇬🇧 (@emma_tr4_rhinos) August 6, 2021

He also came up with a captain’s knock with a spectacular try in the corner to give Leeds hope after a low-key first half.

WHAT A TRY BY THE CAPTAIN! @Ahandley16 🔵🟡🦏

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) August 6, 2021

Ultimately though, Handley’s team were outperformed on the night. Many tried to diagnose the defeat and some believed that it was down to the Rhinos’ own errors.

Very tough fixture this, we’ve had plenty of chances but been our own worst enemy at times.

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) August 6, 2021

Others were more positive believing that Leeds will still make the play-offs.

Not our night. East to blame the ref and absentees but we made some basic errors and need to be a lot better. Cas walk away with bragging rights but all in all we can still make the play offs. People moan about gale but we missed him on our last tackle plays. On to the next. 🦏

— Liam Plumtree (@LiamPlumtree) August 6, 2021

However, one or two fans felt simply hopeless claiming that too many excuses are being thrown out to explain away Leeds’ back-to-back defeats.

https://twitter.com/biggoos/status/1423758868581167107?s=20

Unsurprisingly, others tried to lighten the mood with some friendly banter thrown at the Tigers reminding Cas fans of their Grand Final defeat back in 2017.

https://twitter.com/calebleeds2/status/1423760889547829250?s=20

There’s no getting away from the fact Cas were better on the night however and talisman Paul McShane was at the heart of it.

Dwyer never gives up, eh? But tonight was about another hooker. That Paul McShane’s alright. Best player on the pitch in fact. Wonder who he used to play for? #SLLeeCas pic.twitter.com/59epl8Vvat

— Ian (@ianeastleeds) August 6, 2021

As was Greg Eden. The winger crossed for a pair of priceless tries although one of them looked a little odd to look at as he collided with the upright.

Greg Eden 😍 under the posts via the post 😂

— Fatboy_Rob (@Fatboy_Rob) August 6, 2021

He can be frustrating, terrifying in defence at times but I ❤ Greg Eden. Sorry, folks, I can't help it….#COYF 🖤💛

— Bloke from Cas 🖤💛 (@BlokeFromCas) August 6, 2021

Despite the obvious divide between the local rivals, all supporters were left annoyed by the pitch invader as well as the time it took to get him removed. It sullied Eden’s match breaking try in the second half and culminated in a lengthy and unneeded stoppage.

I have never seen stewards like tonight, did not have a clue what to do when he came on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/EQzvYmGd96

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) August 6, 2021