Discipline with ball key to our fortunes – Watkins

WITH PLAYERS of the calibre of Kallum Watkins in their ranks, Leeds Rhinos should never really have too many problems with attacking quality.

That is why there is no panic in their ranks as they prepare for their third Super League game of the season tonight.

Granted, Leeds may have struggled for precision and strike in their opening 6-4 loss at St Helens and, also, when winning 17-14 at Leigh last Friday.

However, ahead of facing Salford Red Devils at Headingley, England centre Watkins said: “It is just about finding ourselves in the right positions.

“Last week we were stuck on our line a bit more than they were. We got ourselves out of trouble quite a lot, but we didn’t continue that and apply pressure to Leigh.

“We kept giving the ball back and gave them opportunities.

“In terms of that I think we have to stay composed, keep the ball better and the attack should come through that, with us being disciplined with the ball.”

Rhinos lost their first four competitive games last year so Watkins said it is good to be off the mark early.

Red Devils picked up their first win with a 30-20 success at Huddersfield last Thursday and Watkins – who was a ball boy for them at their old Willows ground – said: “I do enjoy playing Salford.

“They are a club I grew up watching. They have a good team, recruited well in the off-season and started pretty well.

“They’ll have been disappointed with their first half when losing against Wigan, but got themselves back in and against Giants they were very good and got a well-deserved win.

“It’s just not going for us at the minute but we’re working on getting that right.

“It is going to take time but you learn from your errors. It’s our first home game and we’re looking forward to it.”

Leeds, though, have won their last seven home meetings with Salford, the Red Devils’ last win at Headingley - and only success there in the summer era - being a 30-20 victory in 2009.

Rhinos have Australian second-row Brett Delaney fit again but he will not play tonight and instead goes on dualregistration to Featherstone Rovers to start his comeback at Swinton Lions this Sunday.

Leeds, however, do see both Joel Moon and Mitch Garbutt return against Salford.