Leeds Rhinos came from behind twice to triumph 20-11 over Hull KR at Elland Road. Jimmy Keinhorst proved the pivotal man for the Rhinos, weighing in with a hat-trick of tries on his return to the Leeds side.
MATCH DETAILS
Leeds struggled to back up their strong effort against Warrington last time out, with a lethargic start to proceedings at Elland Road. In fact, it was the Robins who got on the scoreboard first through a lengthy sliding effort from Ryan Shaw. Shaw converted his own try from out wide, but couldn’t convert just a few minutes later when Adam Quinlan crossed off the back of some silky footwork from Chris Atkin.
Leeds were able to win back the arm-wrestle and crossed with Adam Cuthbertson just seven minutes before half time. Myler was able to add the extras and shortly after, much like Hull KR earlier in the half, Leeds backed up the score with a try from Jimmy Keinhorst and a missed conversion. As a result, the two sides went into the break at 10-10 with Leeds in the ascendency.
It was Hull KR who, once again, started the better of the two sides and Chris Atkin slotted a drop goal to give his side a slender lead early in the second half. Leeds, however, made up for some appalling errors in the first 60 minutes with a spirited comeback late in the game. Keinhorst crossed for his second of the night to put Leeds ahead in the 68th minute. He backed up his try with another just five minutes later and all but sealed the win for the Rhinos.
Hull, however, managed to muster somewhat of a comeback that was only thwarted by simple errors, which seemed to be the order of the day for both sides. Unfortunately, the Robins couldn’t convert any chances and the referee brought an end to a rather dour game in which Leeds maintained their perfect start to the season.
FOUR POINTERS
Catching practice scheduled for the trip down under
The performance under the high ball was far from what is desired from the outside backs of a club that is challenging for the championship. Granted, the conditions were below par and we’ve also come to expect such erroneous performances from Tom Briscoe, who is often a targeted by opposition kicking games, but Ryan Hall also decided to join the club this week. Hall, however, did provide another barnstorming run reminiscent of his wonder try last week. Lets just hope they get some more practice under the high ball before their clash with Melbourne next week.
Atkin impresses on Super League debut
Chris Atkin got the nod over Matty Marsh for Round 2 and completely justified Sheens’ selection with a very complete performance against last year’s Super League Champions – he even slotted a drop goal. The young half back made his first Super League start and, judging by this one, he’ll have plenty more.
Wonderful Walker keeps his spot
It was a pleasure to see that Jack Walker kept his place at full-back for Leeds Rhinos, who seem to have made a bit of a gaffe in signing Ashton Golding on a massive contract. Walker made a number of pivotal plays last time out at Warrington, and backed it up with a classy performance against Hull KR. Long may it continue.
Melbourne are laughing all the way to the World Club Challenge
After watching a game like that, you can only imagine the fun that Craig Bellamy was having in planning his destruction of this Leeds side. The Rhinos, all credit to them, always find a way to win without offering too much. Next Friday though, they take on the NRL Premiers, the Champions of a competition superior to Super League, away from home. It now seems like the bookmakers’ 20-point favouritism of Melbourne is justified, but admittedly you can never write Leeds off. Indeed, the Rhinos are a massive club that perform on the big stage but, unfortunately, it does look as though Melbourne Storm will have a field day next week.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Leeds coach Brian McDermott:
“I thought it was a convincing win and we showed some class.
“We’re not going to be great every week, we’re going to have to show something other than just skill and I think that was epitomised tonight.
“I thought our goal-line defence was pretty special and there were some momentum-changing carries from Ryan Hall, who was again very impressive.
“Credit to Jim [Keinhorst]. He took his chance with both hands and showed some good feet and some class.”
Hull KR coach Tim Sheens:
“We took a huge step forward tonight from where we were last year, let alone last week, but we still didn’t get the points.
“I thought our defence was pretty good. There is no doubt that Chris Clarkson was obstructed when they scored the try that put them in front.
“At the end of the day, they had that little bit of class to finish us but I’m very proud of the effort.”
THE RESULT
LEEDS RHINOS 20
Tries: Cuthbertson (33), Keinhorst (36,68,73)
Goals: Myler (34, 69)
Drop Goals: n/a
HULL KINGSTON ROVERS 11
Tries: Shaw (18), Quinlan (21)
Goals: Shaw (19)
Drop Goals: Atkin (43)
SQUADS
LEEDS RHINOS: Walker, Briscoe, Watkins, Keinhorst, Hall, Sutcliffe, Myler, Cuthbertson, Parcell, Singleton, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Delaney.
Replacements: Ward, Dwyer, Mullally, Ormondroyd.
HULL KR: Quinlan, Shaw, Hefernan, Minns, Carney, McGuire, Atkins, Jewitt, Lee, Mulhern, Blair, Greenwood, Clarkson.
Replacements: Walne, Lunt, Masoe, Kavanagh.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/02/09/278080/
