For a few uncomfortable seconds in the second half on Sunday afternoon, Leeds Rhinos were staring at the one thing they did not need: an injury scare involving Jake Connor. Then Brad Arthur stepped in with the sort of update that instantly calms the room. Connor, the reigning Man of Steel, was not dragged off because Leeds had suddenly uncovered a crisis. He was taken off as a precaution after tightness in his hip flexor and calf.
That matters. Leeds have just bounced back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Leigh Leopards, returned to the top of Super League and now head into the final stretch with real momentum. The last thing they needed was to leave York Knights with a fresh problem attached to one of their most important players. Instead, Arthur’s message after the 66-16 win was straightforward: Jake Connor is okay.
A scare, but not a setback
Arthur told Sky Sports that Connor had started to tighten up, first in his hip flexor and then in his calf, and that this was exactly the sort of moment where there is no point pushing a player through it. That is sensible management, not panic. It is also a reminder that at this stage of the season, Leeds have bigger priorities than squeezing a few extra minutes out of a key man in a game already under control.
The same logic applied to Cameron Smith, who was also taken off after tightening up. Arthur’s comments made it clear that Leeds were not gambling. They were protecting bodies for what comes next, and what comes next is far more demanding than a runaway win over York.
Connor’s value is obvious
Arthur was also keen to underline just how useful Connor has already been. He said Leeds had to start him last week and that he did a great job, adding that when he came on he was able to cause havoc around the ruck. That is the sort of influence Leeds will want again and again as the season tightens.
There is still an adjustment period, naturally. Arthur said Connor is getting used to the game here, the speed, and the way Leeds want to play. But the coach also pointed to positives: a nice try, plenty to build on, and the sort of run-out that should leave him better prepared for next week. That is the key line in all of this. Leeds were not merely crossing their fingers; they were actively trying to get him ready for the next assignment.
Big result, small warning
The scoreline against York was emphatic, but Arthur was not blind to the rough edges. He admitted that Leeds pushed a couple of passes they did not need to in the second half, failed to look after their forwards well enough, and got a few decisions wrong. In other words, even a 66-16 win did not come with everything perfectly wrapped up.
Still, the immediate story is the positive one. Leeds are top of Super League again, they have responded to last week’s disappointment, and the Connor injury scare has been eased rather than escalated. With St Helens away next week, followed by home games against Wigan and Hull, that is exactly the kind of update Leeds needed.
