St Helens and Wigan Warriors defeats had positive effect on Leeds Rhinos, Rhyse Martin says ahead of Hull KR rematch

Leeds Rhinos' blip after their return from the coronavirus could be a blessing in disguise, reckons goal-kicking forward Rhyse Martin.
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Rhinos hit back from 20 points behind to beat Huddersfield Giants in their first post-Covid fixture, but then suffered back-to-back defeats by St Helens and Wigan Warriors.

Since then, they have picked up wins over Salford Red Devils, Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR, whom they meet again on Thursday in Betfred Super League six days after a 48-18 Coral Challenge Cup quarter-final success.

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Martin admitted it took Rhinos a while to get to grips with rugby league’s new rules and shake off the ring rust from a five-month layoff, but he feels they are getting there now.

Rhyse Martin scores in last week's Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Rhyse Martin scores in last week's Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Rhyse Martin scores in last week's Cup win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“The way we came back and played those first few games, I think it happened at a good time for us,” he said.

“We really sorted ourselves out and realised we couldn’t keep playing the way we were.

“I think it happened for the better and, hopefully, we are on the other side of it now.

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“We were playing very individualised when we came back and now it’s all team-based.

“If a few boys don’t turn up for the game it makes it really hard, but I think we are playing really well as a team.”

Rhinos have faced some disruption, as a result of coronavirus, injuries, suspensions and unavailability and were down to around 23 available players last week, but Martin feels the way they coped over the past three games was encouraging.

“We have got a good squad, quality players,” he said.

“Everyone in the squad can easily hold their own in Super League so it’s a testament to the coaching staff here.

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“The young players who aren’t playing at the moment keep turning up each week and giving 100 per cent.

“It makes us better and gives depth to our squad and I think the boys who have come in have done a really good job.

“Hopefully, some of the young lads who haven’t played will get a game soon and it’s good to know we’ve got them in the squad.”

Teenage back-rowers Jarrod O’Connor and Josh Walters were included in last week’s initial 21-man squad and have retained their place for the rematch at Warrington’s HJ Stadium.

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“They will definitely get a game or a couple,” Martin said of Rhinos’ forthcoming schedule.

“I think the squad will get rotated a fair bit, those boys have been going well at training and keeping their attitude positive.

“If they get an opportunity soon I will be happy for them.”

Martin was official man-of-the-match last week, when he scored a try and eight conversions from as many attempts.

Leeds led 30-0 at half-time and were always in command, but the Papua New Guinea international reckons this afternoon’s game will be tougher.

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“Mentally, after having a good win you kind of lapse a little bit and tend to glaze over a few things,” he admitted.

“We know what we need to do, but they are a good team when they get their fair share of the ball.

“That’s what we have got to do, build pressure like we did at the start of the game last week and make them make errors first and crack them.

“It is pretty much exactly the same game plan, but we have to be extra-disciplined on all our little plays, our last tackle options and all those things.”

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Rhinos scored at more than a point per minute in the opening quarter and Martin added: “Our starts haven’t been great, we’ve put ourselves under a lot of pressure in recent games and been playing catch-up footy.

“It was good not to do that last week and, hopefully, we can start well again.

“The main thing is playing our style of footy and not beating ourselves.”

Martin wasn’t entirely happy with his own performance last week. He said: “I am pleased with it, but there’s a few things I need to be better at.

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“I think defensively I wasn’t as good as I have been throughout the year so that’s one thing for me.

“It is good to be happy with your performances, but I just want to keep getting better and better each week.”

That said, Martin’s goal-kicking was faultless and he added: “One thing I was happy with was the boot, I kicked well.

“I have been practicing a fair bit so I am just glad that paid off.”

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Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

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