Play-off preview: Dragons v Rhinos
12 Nov 2020
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar is hoping he can get Sky TV setup in his new house so he can watch Friday's play-off match against Catalans Dragons.
Under government track and trace protocols, Agar has been forced to self-isolate for 14 days and will miss a match for the first time in his 18-year career as a coach.
He said: "Having just moved house, I've got no internet and Sky TV at the moment.
"I've managed to get Sky fixed up for Friday morning and the internet is being sorted on Wednesday, so I should be able to watch it.
"I'm still hoping the government change the self-isolation rules from 14 to 10 days because that would clear me to go and attend the game.
"But whatever happens, I am pretty confident I'll have a way of watching the match."
Thriller between the Rhinos & Dragons in the 2012 Play-offs 😯💯 #SuperLeague
This Friday, @leedsrhinos v Catalans Dragons for a spot in the semi finals live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/OT8uuEDIFH
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 11, 2020
Rhinos have drafted in Sean Long, who was due to join the club as assistant head coach in 2021, early because of Agar's absence.
And Agar believes that the former Saints star is already making a difference in his new role.
"It would have been a lot for James Webster [Rhinos assistant coach] to get through four sessions on his own," he explained.
"So, I called Sean up, and cometh the hour, cometh the man. He got his kit straight on and was good to go. He was pumped and buzzing to come in.
"He's familiar with our players and style of play having done four or five sessions with us at the start of the year.
"The timing of being able to bring him in has been brilliant. We feel our attack has got off track a bit because of the situation and not being able to review and train like we normally would.
"To be able to call on the expertise of Sean, particularly at play-off time, is a massive boost."
Agar's Rhinos take on a Dragons side who have only played one match in the last month because of various Covid-19 outbreaks at their own and other clubs.
After a difficult season, head coach Steve McNamara is relieved that an extended play-off series is finally getting underway.
"It's given the competition some clarity," he said.
"You could certainly see that with our group and in the players' faces.
"There have been so many unknowns for everybody and it became very difficult to understand what was happening next.
"The mindset has definitely changed now it's the play-offs, without a doubt."
End-to-end, very late winner, WOW 🔥???@DragonsOfficiel v Leeds Rhinos in the 2014 Play-offs, they go head to head for a place in the Semi-finals live on Sky Sports this Friday 📺 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/7FhQq8zO9M
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 10, 2020
Because of Covid-19 procedures, Dragons have had to travel to and from England on the day of most of their matches.
They'll do so again for Friday's game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but McNamara is expecting his players to take it all in their stride as the French outfit go in search of a first Grand Final appearance.
"Every team has faced difficulties this year but being the team that sits outside of England has made things hard for us," he outlined.
"Our players have not whinged or moaned once, and they have taken it in their stride.
"There's a real resolve in the group because of what we have been through. It's the first time the club has been in the play-offs since 2014 and there is a real sense of anticipation.
"These are the games that our experienced players have had success in and know how to win, so we are very fortunate to have plenty of them.
"I know we'll play well this weekend; I can sense it in the group."
McNamara makes four changes to his squad from the defeat to Salford Red Devils. Joel and Sam Tomkins both return, as do Matt Whitley and Jason Baitieri.
For Rhinos, they are able to welcome back four key players of their own - Matt Prior, Konrad Hurrell, Tom Briscoe and Richie Myler - after their 14-day self-isolation period ended.
Catalans Dragons: David Mead, Samisoni Langi, Israel Folau, Fouad Yaha, James Maloney, Josh Drinkwater, Remi Casty, Michael McIlorum, Sam Moa, Matt Whitley, Joel Tomkins, Benjamin Garcia, Julian Bousquet, Mickael Simon, Tom Davies, Mickael Goudemand, Paul Seguier, Jason Baitieri, Arthur Morgue, Sam Kasiano, Sam Tomkins.
Leeds Rhinos: Jack Walker, Tom Briscoe, Konrad Hurrell, Ash Handley, Rob Lui, Luke Gale, Ava Seumanufagai, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, Rhyse Martin, Brad Dwyer, Liam Sutcliffe, Richie Myler, Mikolaj Oledzki, Bodene Thompson, Rhys Evans, Cameron Smith, James Donaldson, Alex Sutcliffe, James Harrison, Brett Ferres.
Referee: C. Kendall
