Challenge Cup defeat to Bradford Bulls was a turning point for Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar

Ash splash: Ash Handley scores his first try in Rhinos Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Wigan at sodden St Helens.
Picture Bruce Rollinson — Ash splash: Ash Handley scores his first try in Rhinos Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Wigan at sodden St Helens. Picture Bruce Rollinson

They produced a stunning performance to beat favourites Wigan Warriors 26-12 in the Coral Challenge Cup semi-final.

Rhinos, reaching the final for the first time since their treble-winning campaign of 2015, will face Salford Red Devils behind closed doors in a fortnight’s time.

But Agar referenced their shock Challenge Cup sixth round defeat to part-timers Bradford Bulls last May – just days after he was put in interim charge following Dave Furner’s sacking.

Well deserved: Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar

Back then, the former Super League champions were badly struggling for form and in danger of relegation but the 48-year-old has helped forge a real turnaround with Rhinos now challenging on both fronts.

After mastering dreadful wet conditions, Agar said: “I’m just really happy on a number of levels.

“I’m really happy for the players, who have committed to everything we have asked of them.

“Last year, we got knocked out by Bradford which was a very difficult week, as I remember, and a difficult day for the club.

“In terms of pulling together when everyone wants to give you a good kicking, we stuck together and, at the moment, we’re in a Challenge Cup final and currently in the top four.

“I can’t pay tribute enough to our players for the commitment they’ve shown to each other. Internally, too, to the club and coaching staff for how hard we’ve worked to try and turn it around.

“It’s fair to say we’re doing that at the moment.

“Our halves and spine did a terrific job today and were manfully backed up by a forward pack that, apart from the last five minutes, looked like they could have defended all day.”

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James Mitchinson