Richard Dean
Updated on: October 10, 2024 11:50 pm GMT
As the Super League season nears its conclusion, the Leeds Rhinos’ resurgence under new coach Brad Arthur has sparked hope for a playoff berth. Since Arthur’s official debut on July 20 against Hull KR, Leeds has transformed its performance, raising intriguing questions about how their form stacks up against the rest of the league.
Brad Arthur’s Impact on Leeds Rhinos
Brad Arthur took the reins of the Leeds Rhinos in the middle of July, and although his first match resulted in a loss, he quickly made an impact on the team’s performance. Under his guidance, Leeds has won five of their last eight matches, propelling them into playoff contention with just two rounds of the regular season remaining.
Arthur’s tenure began with a defeat to Hull KR, but the subsequent outings showcased a marked improvement. The Rhinos have claimed victories against several strong teams, including the Huddersfield Giants, Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons, London Broncos, and Hull FC. These results illustrate the significant turnaround Arthur has achieved in a short span.
Super League Standings During Arthur’s Tenure
To assess Arthur’s influence on the team, a study was conducted to compare Leeds Rhinos’ performance with other teams since his first game. Below is a summary of the standings from Round 18 to Round 25, with each team’s record reflecting the games played during this period:
| Team | P | W | D | L | CP | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wigan Warriors | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 12 | +22 |
| Warrington Wolves | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 12 | +96 |
| Hull KR | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 14 | +164 |
| St Helens | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 6 | -77 |
| Catalans Dragons | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | -66 |
| Salford Red Devils | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 8 | +24 |
| Leigh Leopards | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 16 | +162 |
| Huddersfield Giants | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 6 | -79 |
| Castleford Tigers | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | -75 |
| Hull FC | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | -200 |
| London Broncos | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 4 | -68 |
During this timeframe, Leeds Rhinos’ performance has positioned them at a significantly more favorable spot than their initial placement when the season began. They would rank fifth based on their results under Arthur, showcasing a dramatic contrast to the dismal standing of Hull FC, which would fall to the bottom of the table with only two points.
Comparative Analysis with Rivals
The performance of other teams during this same period further illustrates the competitive landscape of the Super League. The Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves have both remained strong, each earning 12 competition points. However, Hull KR has emerged as a standout, winning seven of their eight games and effectively taking first place in this segment of the table.
In contrast, Hull FC has struggled immensely, managing only a single win and experiencing a significant negative point differential of -200. Their performance has prompted concerns about their ability to compete at a high level, particularly as they prepare for the playoff phase of the season.
Looking Ahead
With only two games left in the regular season, attention turns to whether Leeds can capitalize on their newfound momentum and secure a playoff spot. Arthur’s coaching methods and strategies will likely continue to play a crucial role in determining the team’s success as they navigate these final matches.
If Leeds can maintain their performance level, they stand a good chance of joining other top teams in the playoffs. The subsequent rounds will be pivotal for the club and fans, eager to see if this revitalization under Brad Arthur can lead to a deeper postseason run.
Brad Arthur’s early days as the coach of the Leeds Rhinos are making fans feel hopeful again, even though the team has faced some tough times in the Super League. With the playoffs getting closer, the next few weeks are really important for showing that Leeds can be a strong competitor.
