Rhinos start campaign with win

The new rugby league season is underway and I, once again, went on my adventures to Headingley, Leeds.

Back-to-back Super League Champions, Leeds Rhinos picked up where they left off from last season, after defeating new boys Celtic Crusaders 28-6, on a freezing night at Headingley.

At half time, it looked as though the RFL had made the wrong choice by giving the Welsh side a three year franchise, as the Rhinos cruised into a 22-0 lead.

However, the Crusaders put up a good fight in the second half and restored some pride by scoring a try through Luke Dyer.

Grand Final man of the match, Lee Smith, scored two tries. Scott Donald, Ryan Hall and Carl Ablett were also on the score sheet for Leeds.

Coach Brian McClennan was pleased about the attendance at the game, even on such an arctic night.

"To get 14,827 there in the cold and for our ground staff to have the field ready for us to play on, that was the big plus out of the night.”

Despite getting the two points, he was less than happy with the performance of his side, particularly regarding players who had not followed instructions.

"It's just the lack of patience or discipline and carrying out a plan that let us down, not just the game plan, but a plan for what the set is. If our play-makers have set out a certain play or pattern that we want to do, then we've got to do it,” said an angry McClennan.

Hooker Matt Diskin, who has lost the number nine jersey to new signing Danny Buderus, agreed with Bluey’s assessment of the game.

“We did well in the first half, especially the first 20 minutes, but we are disappointed with the second, because of the high standards we set ourselves,” said Diskin.

He also praised the opposition who, in the end, gave a good account of themselves and went on to say:

“They stepped up their performance in the second half and came out fighting, and credit has to go to them for that. The fracas between Peacock and Peek spiked the game up and made it a bit more interesting,”

There was also a tussle in the North stand, which was a surprise to all the on lookers, as games generally pass without any trouble. Stewards swiftly ejected the individuals that were involved.

Leeds’ next home game is against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on 13th February, and will be looking to give a better performance than the one they gave on Friday night.

Shamoon Hafez