‘Absolutely gutless’ – Leeds Rhinos fans react furiously to Hull FC defeat

Needless to say, the defeat was met with righteous fury from Leeds fans on social media. Sections of the crowd were already in open dissension before the game, with the Leeds side producing a string of poor performances in a season that has gone from bad to worse.

Below, we look at how Leeds fans reacted on social media.

Leeds Rhinos branded ‘laughable’ by fans

Credit: Imago Images

Leeds fans were quick to voice their displeasure after the defeat. They were also quick to call for Smith’s head following the loss, with one fan saying: “GET OFF SMITH, WE’RE A LAUGHING!”

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GET RID OF SMITH. WE ARE laughed at!

— James (@JAM35_W) June 15, 2024

Another fan described Leeds’ performance as gutless, stating that a team of Leeds’ size should not produce such poor performances.

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Absolutely gutless yes gutless for a rugby team I don’t say that often but this was a gutless performance. Absolutely shocking to do the decent thing for smith and all of us and the whole club to sack him, not nearly good enough. For Ant Super League Club let alone a huge

— Kyle (@kyzatoonfan4) June 15, 2024

In the build-up to the game, Smith stated Leeds’ desire to put on a show to honor Rob Burrow’s memory. Fans were disappointed that they were unable to do so.

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Today was a chance for them to play for Rob. They could not even be encouraged to do so. Shameful 😑

— Adam West (@mayorwest72) June 15, 2024

Some fans echoed the idea, with one saying: “Embarrassing, Rohan has to go”

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Embarrassing Rohan must go

— David (@davidmcfc500) June 15, 2024

One fan believes the problem runs deeper than just the head coach. They believe Smith has lost control of the dressing room and Blease has a big job on his hands to turn things around at Headingley.

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Something is wrong at the club. It could be even deeper than the trainer. A new guy will have to change everything or is it just a publicity stunt. The coach is watching from the deep end or has lost his authority over the players because they look terrible on the pitch

— Das (@dasridd) June 15, 2024

One of the fans firmly blamed the players, stating that they are not fit to wear the shirt.

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He’s not fit to wear the shirt, no leader on the pitch and off the pitch, everyone can see him and yet he still says I played well

— Chris (@chrislinfoot145) June 15, 2024

Finally, one fan described it as the worst Leeds team of the Super League era, describing the Leeds team as “Dross”.

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Worst Leeds team in the Super League era. Slag

— Richard (@Rich57H) June 15, 2024

The Rudderless Rhinos season could fall apart

Credit: Imago Images

The defeat leaves the Rhinos in no man’s land in the Super League standings. While the Rhinos remain 10 points adrift of FC and 12 adrift of London Broncos, realistically the play-offs seem to be slipping away from a team whose only consistency has been their inconsistency.

Barring a win against Catalans Dragons at Headingley, the Rhinos have lost every game they have played against the teams above them in the Super League table and appear lacking in confidence and the ability to mount a challenge for the play-off places.

The Rhinos pack lacks size and strength and lost the forward battle to a more determined Hull pack today. With the ball in hand, Leeds constantly threw away possession as they lacked structure in attack.

Leeds welcome Leigh Leopards to Headingley before playing London Broncos at home in early July. Losing in any of these games could be terminal for Smith if he survives this damaging loss.