Leeds fans turn on coach Rohan Smith after dismal 18-10 loss at Hull… as Rhinos play their first match since death of Rob Burrow
- Leeds produced one of their worst performances of the season against Hull
- It was their first match since Burrow died of motor neurone disease
- Smith then locked his team in the locker room as the crowd expressed their anger
Leeds fans paid their respects to the legendary Rob Burrow with a minute’s applause and then demanded the sacking of coach Rohan Smith after a dismal 18-10 defeat to Hull.
The Rhinos were desperate to put on a show in their first match after Burrow’s death from motor neurone disease.
But instead they produced one of their worst displays of the season as Hull secured their second win of the campaign.
Smith thought Burrow’s untimely death at the age of 41 had a profound effect on his players, but that didn’t stop the coach from subsequently locking his team in the locker room as the crowd expressed their anger.
βIt’s important, especially after disappointing performances, that you come together and talk about how to get through it,β Smith said.
Leeds Rhinos fans demanded the sacking of coach Rohan Smith after an 18-10 defeat at Hull
Leeds put in one of their worst performances of the season on Saturday evening
It was the first game for the Rhinos since Rob Burrow died from motor neurone disease
The hosts crossed the line twice in the closing minutes of the first half through Lewis Martin and Denive Balmforth to take a 12-0 lead.
Brad Scott extended the lead after the break, while Ash Handley’s score put Leeds on the board and Harry Newman grabbed a late consolation try.
The victory for the Black and Whites ended a run of eleven consecutive league and cup defeats.
Interim Hull head coach Simon Grix finally got his first win and said: ‘The main feeling is relief. The losses are not due to a lack of trying.β
Tom Amone scored the only try as Leigh won 10-2 at Catalans.