Leeds Rhinos’ habit of winning ugly could be key in play-offs says Rhyse Martin

That’s the view of second-rower Rhyse Martin ahead of tomorrow’s elimination tie against Catalans Dragons at Warrington.

Rhinos have not played since November 1 when a patched up side won 20-18 at Wakefield Trinity.

Missing some big names, Rhinos had to dig deep in their fourth game in 10 days, hitting back from 12-6 and 18-14 behind to snatch victory thanks to Brad Dwyer’s 68th-minute try, which Martin converted.

Rhinos have also won three games – including the Coral Challenge Cup final against Salford Red Devils – by a single point this term and Martin reckons their habit of getting over the line in very tight contests will be crucial in the play-offs.

Tomorrow’s winners will travel to either league leaders Wigan Warriors or second-placed St Helens for a semi-final next weekend, with the Grand Final being staged at Hull’s KCOM Stadium on Friday, November 27.

“We have done it a few times this year,” Martin recalled.

“We’ve put ourselves in that position where we are level with a team and we get away with a drop goal or score in the last minute to go in front.

“We’ve been in those positions and it’s a sign of a good team where you find a way to win.

“I know we haven’t been playing great, but to be able to jag a win from doing all the hard yards, that is a sign of a good team.

“We know we can win games, it is just about making sure we can do it for 80 minute periods.”

Catalans finished fourth, one place above Rhinos, on win percentage, having completed only 13 league matches.

They have played just once in the past month and have yet to face a full-strength Rhinos side this year.

Leeds’ trip to France was postponed twice and the clubs’ only meeting was in September when a young Rhinos team were beaten 34-6 at Emerald Headingley, when coach Richard Agar rested all his big guns for the Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan three days later.

“The young fellas went out and had a go and I thought they did a great job,” Martin said.

“They were in that game until the 60th minute and then Catalans scored a few late tries, but hopefully this time we can get our [full-strength] team out. The boys ruled out on track and trace will be back in so fingers crossed we can have our strongest team out there.”

Martin predicted: “At the moment whoever can field their strongest team, without any track and traces or Covid tests, will probably go most of the way to winning it.

“That is what we were lucky with in the Challenge Cup, we didn’t have any issues like that going in.”

If Leeds are at full strength tomorrow, that will mean Martin returning to the pack after finding himself thrown into an unfamiliar role during the derby at Wakefield Trinity 11 days ago.

With Luke Gale and Richie Myler both ruled out, Callum McLelland came into the halves alongside Rob Lui. But when Lui was taken off for a head injury assessment, Martin took over.

“I think I played 45 miniutes at five-eight,” Mellor recalled.

“I can see myself playing there in the future!

“I have played bits and pieces in the halves, but never played as a half.

“I have been able to cover for it. It happened to me in the NRL when I was playing at the Bulldogs, I played nearly a full game at half with Kieran Foran one day.

“I’d like to think I am just a running half, but it was good – I enjoyed it. I was excited because I was telling the boys what to do – or thinking I was.”

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