Kruise Leeming and academy hold key to rescuing Leeds Rhinos
Leeds captain Kruise Leeming has been backed as the key man to rescue the Rhinos after their dismal start to the Super League season.
Thursday night’s 10-4 home defeat to Catalans Dragons was a third defeat in three for Richard Agar’s side who suffered a further setback with Alex Mellor taken to hospital.
Leeds have come up short against Warrington, Wigan and now the Dragons in what always looked like a tough start to the campaign, but according to Rhinos Grand Final winner Chris Clarkson, Leeming is the man to get Leeds back on track.
“Watching them and listening to how Kruise Leeming talks is very positive,” Clarkson told Love Rugby League. “He’s a great addition as captain and very driven.
“I’m not sure what’s missing right now. They are getting better but need to keep that squad together with the two new halves. If they can find a 17 to keep consistent every week I think they’ll be great.”
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Clarkson is now captain at York. He will lead the Knights against Newcastle in their fourth round Challenge Cup tie this weekend.
He starred for Leeds in their famous 2011 Grand Final win lit up by Harry Sunderland winner Rob Burrow.
But Clarkson admits he’s been shocked by their struggles since the break up of that famous side boasting Burrow, Danny McGuire, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kyle Leuluai.
“At the time I didn’t expect them to struggle as much as they have,” he says.
“They have never replaced JP, Kylie, Rob, Kev and Mags.
“They have brought players in but need to grow the academy again and really start from scratch and grow players again for the future.
“There’s only a couple of people there now like Liam Sutcliffe and Ash Handley from the old era. It’s completely changed.”
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