Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 12/08/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 23 - Hull KR v Leeds Rhinos - Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull, England - Leeds's Ash Handley, Richie Myler & Zak Hardaker thank the fans for their support after victory over Hull KR.
Leeds Rhinos picked up another massive win tonight to open a three-point lead on the chasing pack as they defeated Hull KR 28-20 thanks to braces from Richie Myler, Morgan Gannon and a superb solo try from Brad Dwyer.
It was a win full of talking points so here they are…
Five major talking points:
Brad Dwyer deserving a new deal
Today again underlined the recent resurgence in arguments to suggest Brad Dwyer deserves a new deal. He was exceptional at nine tonight darting from behind the ruck and creating and scoring tries. It’s a tough one because Jarrod O’Connor has been a star at nine recently, Corey Johnson is a hooker with huge potential and Kruise Leeming could very well be described as an 80 minute hooker. Rohan Smith is also developing the squad into the shape he wants and we’ve seen the likes of Liam Sutcliffe becoming casualties of that and Brad Dwyer looks set to do the same despite his great form. It should be said another outgoing man shone tonight in Muizz Mustapha
Leeds’ intriguing defence pays off again
The Rhinos have a very strange defensive strategy. Unlike most teams, the Rhinos are happy to sit back and absorb the pressure and back their cover defence. It looked like inviting pressure again tonight but saw Leeds hold on furiously having the tools to get up the field and devastate teams when they get the ball.
Tetevano the second-row
Tetevano started off struggling down the middle seemingly unable to keep up with the pace of Matt Parcell from nine. But the injury to Bodene Thompson who went to hospital saw Tetevano move to second-row and it was some of the best rugby I’ve seen from the former Penrith man. He looked dangerous and defended well.
Exciting attack
For the first time in years I love watching Leeds in attack. The way the Rhinos push up around the ball, change direction and look to push the ball makes their attack exhilarating to watch week in week out and makes for excitement every time Leeds are down the right end of the field which makes for real confidence even when Leeds are on the back foot as they were at the start of the season.
Character prevails
I described the win over Salford as potentially Leeds’ best of the season due to the character they showed to cling on to the win and the Rhinos again showed that same character. Down to one sub and down a man for 10 minutes, Leeds battled hard and continued to look full of energy in key moments to claim another vital win against a play-off rival.
