LEEDS RHINOS coach Brad Arthur has conceded the League Leaders’ Shield – but insists the play-offs will be “a different ball game”.
After leading the way for most of the season, Leeds were usurped by Wigan Warriors at the top of the standings on Saturday night as they were torn apart at a sold-out AMT Headingley.
Wigan’s 40-8 victory means a win against Catalans Dragons this Friday, when Leeds host Hull FC, will clinch the Shield, and Arthur admitted: “They are too good a team to let the opportunity slip next week.”
Arthur’s focus is now on the response against Hull, which will show him whether they have what it takes to compete in the play-offs, where they have secured a home semi-final.
“They’re really disappointed, as they should be, but our response (to setbacks) has been positive all year,” said Arthur.
“Once we get back into it, we’ll be alright. There’s still a long way to go in this competition, but next week is really key for us to play well and look like the Leeds Rhinos team we have been all year.
“Once we get into the play-offs it’s a different ball game, but our focus at the moment can’t be on the play-offs, because there’s still round 27 to go. The test of our character will be in our response next week.
“We need to play well. We will have a new combination in the spine so we’ll have 80 minutes to work on that.”
That’s after fullback Lachlan Miller limped off with a suspected hamstring tear just seven minutes in against Wigan.
Young Fergus McCormack is set to take his place, while Leeds will also have to navigate the rest of the season without Danny Levi as the hooker continues his recovery from a serious neck injury.
None of Maika Sivo (arm), James McDonnell (pec) or Keenan Palasia (foot) returned against Wigan, but they are in contention to do so against Hull.