Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC

HEAD COACH
ROHAN SMITH
Welcome back to Headingley for
tonight’s clash with Hull FC.
3 | RHINOS VS HULL FC
I would like to welcome our visitors from
East Yorkshire. Hull have had a tough time
of it recently but I feel that they’re putting
a lot of energy into games. Whilst ever
teams are playing with a lot of energy and
they’re trying really hard, things can turn.
It’s our job to make things difficult for
them and at least match them for energy.
In round two, we let ourselves down in
a few areas. Defensively we lacked a bit
of connection on a few occasions and
their willingness to play when they see
an opportunity is a hallmark of any side
coached by Tony Smith. They created a few
more opportunities than we would have
liked and they were able to execute them so
that was the biggest thing we could learn
out of that game. We had them under some
pressure early in the game and didn’t take
our chances. That game feels like a long
time ago so it’s a new one on Friday night.
Looking back to last Sunday’s match,
I thought it was a good hard game
that could have gone either way in
the end but I thought we always
had a good chance of winning.
I am looking forward to seeing our Reserves
back in action against a strong Hull FC
in tonight’s curtain raiser. We have got
a bunch of players that haven’t been
selected in recent times that are ready to
play so that’s a good position to be in. I’m
happy with the contribution of everyone
that has played this year. We’re trying to
find the best mix each week but trying
to keep our squad healthy and match-fit
so tonight is a good opportunity to have
a look at everyone on the same night.
Likewise, the lads who have been at
Bradford on dual registration have gone
really well. Sam Walters, Luis Roberts
and James Donaldson both performed
really well on Monday. It’s a good position
for the club to be in where you’ve got
players that are genuine Super League
players getting extra game time.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Ash
Handley, Harry Newman, Mikolaj Oledzki,
Tom Holroyd and Morgan Gannon on
their call ups to the England squad to
face France including Justin Sangare.
Enjoy the game
Rohan