'What's needed to win big games': Leeds Rhinos boss highlights vital effort ahead of Leigh Leopards clash

The Betfred Super League leaders, who play host to Leigh Leopards tomorrow (Thursday), hit back from 22-6 down to win 24-22 at Wakefield Trinity last week, but would probably have lost if not for Cameron Smith’s try-saving tackle on Cam Scott midway through the second half. Leeds trailed 22-18 when Trinity’s Josh Rourke pounced on a loose ball near his own line, made a break and passed to Tom Johnstone in support.

He was halted by Jack Bird, but the ball was moved right and Scott looked set to score at the corner, only for Smith to drive him into touch just short. Rhinos had missed several chances before that, with Alfie Edgell going close and Jarrod O’Connor being held up over the line and their coach reflected: “We have been guilty in the past of that frustrating us and [thinking] it’s not our night and maybe feeling a bit sorry for ourselves.

“But we didn’t, we just kept going at it and there were some massive efforts in that play where Cameron saved that try. Have a look at Jack Bird’s effort, he made a double effort to get back there.

“The easy option for him would have been to dive and try and ankle-tap the attacker getting away from him, but the hard option was to stay on his feet so he can get back in the line and help the team. Then if you have a look at the defensive line, we had every player back behind the ball, ready to defend that play.”

Arthur added: “Cameron made the extra effort to not just get back into the line, but he got back 10 metres and onside so he was legitimately in the play. That detail there and that extra effort is what you need to win big games - don’t just get back, get back 10 metres so you are in the frame, you can save the try and we got the ball back. If he doesn’t get back 10 metres it could have been a penalty, giving them another set at our line. It’s a big detail in a big-effort play.”