Leeds are getting better, insists Richard Agar

Drew Darbyshire

Leeds interim coach Richard Agar believes the Rhinos are improving week-by-week under his leadership.

The Rhinos fell short to a 23-17 defeat to Wigan at the Emerald Headingley Stadium on Friday night.

Agar has guided the club to two wins from five games since taking over from sacked head coach Dave Furner on an interim basis in May.

Speaking after their loss to Wigan, Agar said: “It was disappointing not to get the result but I thought our effort was terrific again.

“We talked at half-time about trying to turn the game on its head in terms of field position and we absolutely got that in the second half.

“Our defence held up for long periods again but unfortunately for us, we just couldn’t find the killer punch down the bottom end and build enough pressure.

“I thought we got a little bit impulsive with the ball. We kicked the ball without any direction at times and a bit early in the tackle count.

“We had opportunities where we could have levelled it up before half-time and I think in the grand scheme of things, Wigan’s drop goal in the first half was a really important play.”

Agar was coy on admitting whether he will believes his side can make the top five play-offs this year.

He added: “We are just thinking about next week.

“Two weeks ago, it was us or London in a relegation battle and now you are asking me ‘can we maker the play-offs?’ – if we keep getting this type of effort then we won’t be too far away.

“It’s a constant battle for us but without getting the result tonight, we showed terrific effort in defence.”

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