Rugby League: Warrington struggles continue as Rohan Smith hails 'quality' Leeds Rhinos display
- Planet Sport writer
- 30 June 2023
Leeds coach Rohan Smith praised his side's "quality performance" after their 22-6 Betfred Super League victory over Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Rohan Smith was thrilled with another "quality" Leeds Rhinos display as they won 22-6 at Warrington Wolves in the Betfred Super League on Thursday night.
All the damage was done in the opening 15 minutes of the game as Leeds crossed for three tries as they raced into a 16-0 lead they would not relinquish.
Ash Handley crossed twice in the blistering opening and Sam Walters also touched down with Rhyse Martin landing two conversions.
Some excellent defence efforts and a late Richie Myler try helped them seal an impressive Super League victory and avenge their opening day 42-10 humbling by the Wolves
Smith said: "It was a quality performance to shut out a high performing team that's won a lot of games this year and we didn't give them an opportunity in the game.
"It was a good hard-fought game for the most part but once we got hold of the scoreboard early we didn't give them a look in.
"We defended very well in the first half particularly and we scrambled hard in the second half.
"The only try they scored was somewhat questionable you would say but I really liked our scramble right to the final play of the game which was pleasing but not surprising.
"I liked how we played and generated things from inside our own half which resulted in points.
"Our spirit, energy and fitness were all on show tonight.
"We've reminded ourselves we can play back to back weeks but we have a tough gig at Salford next weekend so we dust ourselves down and go again."
Warrington coach Daryl Powell lamented a "disappointing" night for his side as they continue to falter after an impressive start to the campaign which has seen them claim just one victory from their last six games.
The Wolves claimed a consolation try midway through the second half from Matty Ashton which Stefan Ratchford converted.
Powell told Sky Sports: "I'm just disappointed. We wanted to put in a better effort out there.
"I'll be thinking about it for the next week, that's the way coaching is.
"I just thought Leeds got us early, then we got the sin bin and we never really played to our potential.
"I thought we battled hard and worked really hard and we started to play a bit about 73 minutes but we've got to find more of that in ourselves.
"Everything we're doing has got to be better.
"This is a tough sport and you have ups and downs. We're in a bit of a downer at the moment and we've got to work our way out of it.
"The team needs confidence which is a big one. Winning becomes a habit and we are losing too many games at the moment. We have lost a few games on the spin and that's not nice. The only way to get out of it is to work hard and keep your mentality in the right place.
"If we play like that we are not beating St Helens next week so we clearly we need to improve."
