Seeing Leeds near relegation excites people: But there was never a doubt

Double Grand Final winner Adam Cuthbertson believes rugby league fans get excited by seeing Leeds struggle, but never had any doubt the Rhinos would pull through.

Leeds were second bottom when Rohan Smith took over at Easter and are now in another Grand Final. 

“Everyone always wants to talk about relegation when it comes to Leeds because it excites people for some reason,” Cuthbertson told this week’s Love Rugby League podcast.

“But there was never any doubt that they could rescue this. Knowing what the club is about, and knowing the majority of the boys in that squad, there was never a doubt they could rescue the season. 

“Rohan has come in and the slate has been wiped clean there is a new lease of life and how they want to play. Rohan has excited them and challenged them in a way that they may not have been at the beginning of the year. A new coach can give you a really dangerous attitude of not having anything to lose.”

Leeds have an underdogs tag says Cuthbertson

Cuthbertson won at Old Trafford as part of their 2015 treble-winning season and then again in 2017 on an emotional farewell for Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. And having seen former Rhinos sides go all the way from fifth, he sees no reason why it can’t happen again.

”You only need to look at the past to see Leeds have a history of falling into an underdogs tag going into finals. People write them off when they have every opportunity to do something special in finals. 

“It’s a tough old sport. The most consistent performers all year don’t necessarily lift the biggest trophy that is up for grabs. It comes down to three matches to lift the biggest trophy, so if you can find form then and absolute go for it in the finals then anything is possible. 

“It may seem unfair but it is great for the game going forward as it puts bums on seats and the underdog tag excites people. I would hate to see that ever change.

“Leeds have always thrived in this position and will be a dangerous team on the weekend because of it.”

PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence

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