Leeds Rhinos: Hard graft is key to our solid start says Richie Myler
Rhinos began their defence of the Betfred Super League trophy with a tough 16-12 win at Warrington Wolves and while it wasn’t the prettiest performance, Myler says they can take heart from a solid effort by the whole 17.
Rhinos were in command for much of the game, though they had to survive a late scare and Myler described it as “a good start, a really good start”.
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Hide AdThe scrum-half, who made his competitive debut against one of his old clubs, said: “Across the board everyone did their job and played well.
“There were a couple of special moments in there, with Hally [Ryan Hall] and in our goalline D [defence] I thought we worked hard for one another.
“It is a tough place to go, Warrington and get two points. We are happy with that, we went away with a win and we can build on that now.”
The way they handled what Warrington threw at them close to their line was the most impressive aspect of Leeds’ performance. “Our intent from the word go was to work hard for one another,” Myler added. “The intensity we brought to the game, we were looking at doing that and we built on that.
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Hide Ad“Our defence was good, our kick-chase was good, we laid a good platform and we managed to get the two points.”
Myler stood out for Rhinos in attack and defence and there were positive signs from his half-back combination with Joel Moon.
It was only the second time the pair had played together, following a warm-up game in terrible conditions at Castleford Tigers two weeks earlier.
“We have been working hard in training through pre-season,” said the former Widnes, Salford, Warrington and Catalans man.
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Hide Ad“Obviously it is going to take a while to gel and for combinations to come together, but it is a good start and we can move on from that.
“I think in patches we showed what we are all about and what we are working on. It starts in defence and we worked hard on that.
“Warrington are a tough team to play against and they threw a lot at us, but across the board we all helped towards the team and we got over the line.
“It is a good platform, definitely, but we aren’t getting too carried away. There’s 30-odd games to go, but we’re happier to start with a four-point win than a four-point loss.”
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Hide AdIt was Rhinos’ first round one win in three seasons and Myler admitted: “That makes life easier, but there’s a long way to go. We’ve got to work hard and keep building. We’ve got Hull KR next and we have to go again.”
Thursday’s Elland Road clash with the Robins will kick off 24 hours before the majority of Rhinos’ senior squad jet to Australia to prepare for the World Club Challenge showdown with Melbourne Storm on February 16.