Kallum Watkins admits individuals cannot turn Leeds’ season around – the team can
Rhinos currently sit third bottom of Super League and suffered Challenge Cup humiliation at Bradford Bulls
KALLUM Watkins admits no one person can dig Leeds out of their current trouble – but their Challenge Cup humiliation could prove a turning point.
For being dumped out at Bradford should ram home just how serious things are to every Rhinos player.
And it will need them all to pull their fingers out if they are to come good.
Leeds were embarrassed 24-22 at the Championship Bulls and their Super League campaign is little better.
Four wins from 14 games meant coach David Furner was sacked with relegation a real threat to the 2017 champions.
Now as the ‘rebuild’ starts against Castleford, skipper Watkins admitted individuals are not the answer.
He said: “Bradford was as bad as it gets and it was all down to what are called effort areas.
“You can’t afford to do that against anyone, even a Championship side would take advantage. Now it’s about getting everyone to be accountable for certain areas they need to improve on.
“We let ourselves down in terms of doing the simple things right, things like completing sets and even working hard.
“People see stars or superstars and things like flashy tries but at the end of the day, it’s all down to hard work and being disciplined.
“Bradford was a bad experience but it’s something we have to move on from – however it’s about about collectively working on things and taking accountability for our actions.”
Leeds may be low on the field but off it, they usher in a new era tonight with the opening of the new North Stand as Headingley’s redevelopment is completed.
They may now have one of the best stadiums but Watkins admits that can also bring its own pressures.
He added: “It’s an opportunity for fans and sponsors to experience the new stadium and that’s really important for us.
“They’re the guys that support us and go through the ups and downs with us and I think we owe them a performance.”
