Leeds Rhinos 26, Hull KR 18: YEP video review

YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith reflects on Leeds Rhinos' 26-18 win over Hull KR in James Donaldson's testimonial match.

Transcript

00:00 So, pre-season, or certainly the matches element of it has now finished. Leeds wrapped up their

00:09 campaign with a 26-18 win over Hawkeye at Headingley in James Sonlinson's testimonial

00:15 game. Decent result to finish off. They've played a first team squad in a couple of games

00:20 and won them both against Wakefield and Hawkeye. In both games they were trailing at half time

00:25 and hit back to win with a decent performance in the second half. I think Leeds have shown

00:31 the ability that when they get on top and they get on a roll, they can score tries in a flash,

00:37 really. They were 12-4 down at half time against Hull KR, got back to 26-12 stage before Hull KR

00:46 pulled a try back. A pleasing first performance in a lead shirt from Brodie Croft, who set up a

00:52 couple of tries and scored one himself. Really like the look of this young prop that Leeds have

00:58 unearthed from their academy and reserves. Tom Nicholson-Watton, who's had a good pre-season

01:03 and was excellent today, I thought he made a break to set up Brodie Croft's try. He did really well.

01:10 From Leon Ruan, another young player who's coming through here at Headingley, some good signs from

01:16 Andy Akkers playing at Hawkeye. Overall, decent hit out for Leeds. There was some frustration

01:24 in terms of the way the match was officiated, so Leeds will have to get on top of that.

01:28 They had Justin Tsai and Gary Sinbind in the first half after he conceded three successive penalties

01:33 in very blustery conditions, as you can see. That wasn't ideal, but I think overall it was a good

01:39 hit out for Leeds. They've now got 12 days to prepare for the first game of the season against

01:44 Salford Red Devils. They'll have to be better, but I think they're going into it in decent shape and

01:49 certainly better than they were 12 months ago. They got through without any major injuries

01:55 today, which is important, and could have some players back for the game against Salford,

01:59 so that's another boost.