After a strong start, a string of disappointing results and performances led to coach Rohan Smith’s departure in June. His assistants Chev Walker and Scott Grix had a short spell as caretaker bosses and there were signs of improvement under new coach Brad Arthur, who arrived in July, but not enough to avoid another eighth-placed finish.
On the positive side, some players stood up to be counted and several young guns did well enough to suggest they have a bright future. As in 2023, Leeds used a total of 30 players, with two playing in every game. With time on the field taken into account, here’s how every player who made a first team appearance rated for the 2024 campaign as a whole.
25. Alfie Edgell (no 29)
16 appearances (including 4 sub), 6 tries. A specialist full-back, but showed a lot of promise filling in as a winger, including four tries in the 68-6 rout of Hull FC 6. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
26. Tom Nicholson-Watton (no 30)
7 substitute appearances, 0 tries. Didn’t get a lot of game time, but a strong performance against Catalans Dragons in August was encouraging for the future 5. Photo: Steve Riding
27. Ned McCormack (no 31)
Ned McCormack 3 appearances (including 1 sub), 1 try. Only got a brief taste of first team action, but showed good potential 5. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
28. Riley Lumb (no 33)
4 appearances, 2 tries. Man of the match on debut and impressed in his other games, showing exciting signs of a bright future 7. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
29. Ben Littlewood (no 32)
1 sub appearance, 0 tries. Got eight minutes at the end of the win against Wigan - . Photo: James Hardisty
30. Sam Eseh (no 36)
Gained some Super League experience on loan from Wigan Warriors 3. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe