Brian Carney says the Super League manager is under tremendous pressure

VaselineJune 2, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Brian Carney says the Super League manager is under tremendous pressure

Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 15/09/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Warrington Wolves v St Helens – Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England – Sky Sports Presenter Brian Carney

Leeds Rhinos season has flattered to deceive at times this season, with good wins followed by heavy defeats. However, they have some reason for optimism after a comfortable win against Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Although Leeds produced a strong performance to beat the Tigers, in reality the margin of victory could have been greater had the Rhinos been more clinical. They squandered a number of good positions which could have added more luster to their win at a sunny Headingley.

Going into the game, head coach Rohan Smith had to address numerous questions about the pressure he felt as Leeds boss. This was exacerbated by the announcement that Leeds were to add a sporting director to sit above Smith.

While the win takes some of the pressure off Smith, he still faces questions about his future.

Quiz: Can you name all these former Leeds Rhinos players?

Leeds Rhinos boss ‘under tremendous pressure’

Credit: Imago Images

Speaking earlier, Sky Sports pundit Brian Carney discussed the pressure Smith faced. Carney believes the pressure the Leeds manager faces is almost unique in Rugby League given the expectations from the crowd. Carney stated:

“Their coach (Rohan Smith) is under tremendous pressure to deliver. There’s no getting away from it.

“They made the announcement during the week that they will appoint a sporting director at Headingley to release them on part of the Rohan Smith’s administrative pressure.

“But the Southerners are not particularly interested in this right now. They need wins and they need their coach to deliver.”

Leeds are currently sixth in the Super League play-offs, at least until Salford Red Devils play London Broncos on Sunday. They have seven wins from 13 matches so far. with games coming up against Hull FC, Leigh Leopards and London Broncos, they will be hoping to put some positive results on the board.

The role of sporting director “does nothing” for Leeds fans

Credit: Imago Images

Carney’s colleague Jodie Cunningham believes fans are right to expect more from the Rhinos at this stage of the season. She thinks the Rhinos’ spine should have gelled faster. Cunningham said:

“In the pre-season We were talking about Leeds and the big signings they were making as if they were up, fighting in the top flight and they were disappointed.

“They failed to perform. You’d think the backbone and their combinations would be to be able to measure up, especially at this time of the season.

“We’re getting to half way now. You can’t say that things are still bedded down. It just doesn’t work and the pressure is really on Rohan now.”

Sam Tomkins believes Rhinos fans will not be happy with the appointment of a sporting director. He believes only improvements on the pitch will satisfy the Leeds Rhinos crowd.

“I think Leeds fans want to see a difference on the pitch. The fact that they announced they will bring in a sports director will have absolutely no impact on the crowd.

“The crowd wants to see wins, tHey I want to see performances, you want to see the star players you know he sings week in and week out.

“So the fact that bringing in someone from the admin side, tHat does nothing for Leeds fans.”

VaselineJune 2, 2024

0 2 minutes read