Keith Galloway believes win can put Leeds Rhinos on a roll

Leeds bounced back from the previous week’s limp 28-6 loss at Wigan Warriors to record only their second victory in six Super League games this year.

Defensive frailties were exposed again at times though as St Helens hit back from 16-0 down to briefly lead by two points, but it was a much-improved attacking display from the reigning champions and they kept the visitors scoreless in the second half.

Leeds’s victory means they remain in touch with the all-important top four and Galloway felt it was a well-timed boost to morale going into the busy Easter period.

“The first month or so has been tough,” the former Wests Tigers and Australia prop conceded. “We haven’t been going so well, so it’s good to get a win at home and hopefully we can get a roll on for the rest of the season.”

Rhinos’ tally was their highest score of the season so far and Galloway reflected: “We stuck to our game plan and looked a lot better than past weeks.

“I think everyone was pretty upset or down on themselves after the Wigan game, especially me. I didn’t play too well, but we had to dig deep and go out there and put in a tough performance.

“We got a win and hopefully it rolls on to Castleford on Thursday. That will be a big game for us and we need to get the two points. We are getting a few blokes back [from injury] and starting to get some depth, so that’s good.”

Castleford have suffered their own run of injuries and are on a three-match losing run. A win for Leeds would lift them above their near-neighbours on the table and Galloway said: “A few of the boys have told me about the rivalry.

“They say the atmosphere is really special, so I am looking forward to it.”

Galloway has taken time to find his feet at Leeds, but coach Brian McDermott described his performance against Saints as his best for the club.

“It was a bit better than last week,” Galloway said. “I am trying hard and hopefully I’ll keep getting better.”