Is it time for change? Latest Leeds Rhinos talking points after humiliation at Hull FC adds to woes

In what has been a disappointing campaign, the performance and result in East Yorkshire reached new depths and intensified doubts over Rohan Smith’s future as coach. Here’s five talking points.

1: Going nowhere.

The debacle at Hull came a year and four days after the most embarrassing result in Rhinos’ Betfred Super League history, a 24-14 loss at 12-man Wakefield Trinity who had lost their previous 15 games in 2023. The fact is, Rhinos haven’t shown any sustained improvement in the 12 months since.

They remain capable of beating good teams on an occasional basis, but lack consistency from week to week - or even in games - and are repeatedly paying for the same failings: needless errors, poor options and costly penalties conceded.

The squad which lost to Hull was stronger than the one on duty at Wakefield and should certainly be higher than seventh in the table. Sadly, the team at the moment is less than the sum of its parts. Individuals aren’t playing to their capability and, while they have to take personal responsibility, inevitably it’s the coach who will carry to can.

2: No excuses.

Rhinos fielded their full-strength back division against Hull, lining up from one to seven. Also on the field at the start of the game, in their specialist position, were numbers eight, 12 and 13. Only two players who’d be more or guaranteed a place in the 17 if fit - Andy Ackers and James Bentley - were missing.

There were no excuses, but Leeds got outplayed and the eight-point margin flattered them. Hull’s points all came inside a 10-minute spell either side of half–time, when Rhinos were utterly hopeless. Other than that, the visitors defended quite well, but were way off with the ball.

Rhinos have made 160 errors in Super League this year, which is 17 more than the second-most mistake-prone side, Catalans Dragons. They are doing too much defending, rarely apply sustained pressure near the opposition’s line (good ball) and there’s a lack of ideas when they get into an attacking situation.

They are capable of so much better. It’s a good squad, with some excellent players and if a vacancy does arise, there’s be some experienced coaches looking at Rhinos’ roster and thinking ‘I can do something with that’.

3: Options.

Assuming a decision hasn’t been made, Rohan Smith – who is contracted until the end of next season – could yet save his job. He just needs to get his team playing well and winning on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, there’s been no sign of that happening this year so clearly new sporting director Ian Blease, who started work yesterday (Monday), has a big decision to make.

There’s no desire among the previous board for a change of coach, but Blease is now in charge of firing and hiring and may take an alternative view. It’s not true his appointment will inevitably lead to Paul Rowley - coach of Blease’s former club Salford Red Devils - coming to Leeds, but there are potential candidates available now.

Justin Holbrook and Jason Demetriou are without a head-coaching role at the moment, but the most obvious is Brad Arthur, who spent more than a decade in charge of NRL club Parramatta Eels until being axed a month ago. He is understood to be interested in a move to Super League if an opportunity arises.

4: Toxic.

The atmosphere among Rhinos fans at last week’s game became quite toxic. Anti-Smith chants began when Hull went ahead and that apparently sparked angry scenes as fans argued among themselves. Nobody wants a repeat of that on Friday when Rhinos face Leigh Centurions at AMT Headingley in a game dedicated to celebrating Rob Burrow’s life and rugby career.

Sadly, it seems Smith has lost the fans to the extent he won’t be able to win them back, whatever occurs. Rugby is a results-led business and Smith is aware of what could happen if things don’t improve, but there’s a welfare aspect to all this. It must be tough on him personally.

Regardless of how his team are performing, Smith is a decent human being, with a family, who is doing his best. Criticism of his performance as coach comes with the job, but he doesn’t deserve the abuse he has been getting.

5: Into the fire.

All of which means Blease is going to have an interesting few weeks at the start of his new role. This is the time clubs are looking at retention and recruitment for next year, but the coaching situation is dominating the conversation, outside Headingley at least.

Blease has got plenty on his plate and different issues to those he faced at Salford, where he was working under a far tighter budget.The Red Devils have become known for punching above their weight and, with limited resources, Blease has consistently put together good teams who play attractive rugby. Two of the last five Man of Steel winners joined Salford during Blease’s time in charge of the rugby operation there. He has been a player, agent and administrator, knows the sport inside out and, while time will tell, looks like an excellent appointment. If he is given autonomy, it’s an opportunity for positive change.