Leeds Rhinos coach says 'we needed that and will get better' after 'rusty' win v Bradford Bulls
Rusty Leeds Rhinos will be better for their hit out against Bradford Bulls in Cameron Smith’s testimonial, coach Brad Arthur reckons.
Arthur was pleased to get a 46-6 win for Smith on his big day and felt there were some positive signs, though injuries to James McDonnell, Chris Hankinson, Ash Handley and Max Simpson were his main concern.
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Of the performance, he said: “We could’ve scored three tries in the first three sets. We were just a little bit rusty. I think as the game wore on we got better and got a bit more rhythm. We probably needed that hit out. There were a couple of soft tries against us, which we’re not happy about, but I like the way the game is heading with play-the-ball speed and I think it might even quicken up a bit.”
Stand-off Brodie Croft scored three second half tries and scrum-half Jake Connor was instrumental in attack. Arthur added: “They’ll be the first to admit they were a bit rusty, but at least we are settled on what our team looks like in terms of the spine, which we weren’t this time last year. Hopefully we can see the benefits of that.”