“A difficult one to process” says Rohan Smith following Salford defeat
Photo: Craig Thomas/News Images
Leeds boss Rohan Smith shared his frustrations following his side’s 22-12 defeat to Salford at Headingley Stadium in Super League.
Wales international Rhys Williams opened the scoring for the Red Devils in a superb display for Paul Rowley’s side, who lost full-back Ryan Brierley in the second half due to injury.
Sam Stone and Ellis Longstaff also crossing in the victory, while England international Marc Sneyd kicked 10 points including two penalties.
But it was less impressive from the Rhinos, who are now just five wins in 11 so far in 2023 to sit eighth on the Super League table.
Head coach Smith said some of his side’s errors were “hard to understand” while Blake Austin also saw an early sin-bin for impeding Brodie Croft, leading to Salford’s opening try.
“It’s a difficult one to process,” said Smith. “We had a few rushes of blood defensively that hurt us.
“It’s a bit of personal discipline with the ball. Those ones in the first half hurt us, and we didn’t apply enough pressure to Salford, who made their opportunities count.”
Leeds facing half-back shortage after latest blow
Smith is now left with further selection headaches, having lost young half-back Jack Sinfield for next week’s trip to Wigan due to a head knock.
The 18-year-old was named for his first Super League appearance of the season in the halves alongside Blake Austin.
Ahead of the Round 11 clash, Smith confirmed that Aidan Sezer is set for a period on the sidelines following a dead leg suffered against Leigh prior to the international break.
Leeds take on Wigan next Friday at the DW Stadium, live on Sky Sports, which will see Smith forced to reshuffle his side once again.
Ash Handley has previously slotted in at full-back, which has seen Richie Myler move into the halves.
Smith added: “Jack has a bit of a banged-up face but he’s feeling fine. But we’ve got some versatility and some options there in our roster.”
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