2018 was a season of disappointment for the Rhinos, given the grand final heroics of the previous campaign.
2018 Club Record
Wins: 13 (8 regular season and 5 in the middle 8’s)
Losses: 15 (13 and 2)
Competition Points: 18 (10 in middle 8’s)
2018 Player Achievements
Most Tries: Tom Briscoe and Ash Handley (10)
Most Points: Liam Sutcliffe (105)
Season Summary
The Rhinos followed a somewhat unexpected 2017 grand final season with a disappointing 2018, having to really put a strong middle 8’s showing to avoid relegation. The defining moment of the season was the sacking of long time coach Brian McDermott and the return of club legend Kevin Sinfield.
Injuries hit the Rhinos hard this season, with captain and England international Kallum Watkins missing a large part of the season with a knee injury. Signing Nathan Peteru also struggled with injury, as did fan favourite Stevie Ward.
Despite all the negativity surrounding the 2018 Rhinos, there were still reasons for the Rhinos faithful to be hopeful. Young fullback Jack Walker continued to impress in his second season of top grade rugby league. Also the announcements of Tui Lolohea, Konrad Hurell and Trent Merrin gave a statement of intent that Leeds expect to be in the title race next season. It will be interesting to see how new coach David Furner settles into life at Emerald Headingley.
NothingButLeague Player of the Season
http://gty.im/913173164
Richie Myler- Myler arrived from Catalans with the job of replacing Danny McGuire. While it was no easy task and injuries depleted the help around him, Myler still looked like an on field leader and his play was definitely a high point in an otherwise forgettable season. He will now be expected to build on that in 2019.
2019 GAINS AND LOSSES
Gains
Trent Merrin (Penrith Panthers, 2022) Callum McLelland (Edinburgh Rugby Union, 2021) Tui Lolohea (Wests Tigers, 2021) Konrad Hurrell (Gold Coast Titans, 2021) Dom Crosby (Warrington Wolves, 2021)
Losses
Ryan Hall (Sydney Roosters) Mitch Garbutt (Hull Kingston Rovers) Brett Delaney (Featherstone Rovers) Jimmy Keinhorst (Hull Kingston Rovers) Joel Moon (retirement)
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/07/02/brian-mcdermott-sacked-by-leeds-rhinos/
