McClennan: We were fortunate

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McClennan has admitted his side were fortunate to leave Salford City Reds with a victory over the weekend.

The reigning Super League champions departed from The Willows with a narrow 31-22 success on Sunday and were indebted to a second-half burst of points for their win.

Leeds scored 27 points in as many minutes as they clawed their way back into the game, but McClennan believes the hosts were unlucky to walk away with nothing.

He said: "Salford had the better of us, particularly in the second quarter. They were all over us and were dominant. Fortunately we were able to get 13 points ahead with five minutes to go. We defended better in the third quarter or else we may have slipped up and lost.

"It was a terrific effort but we were a bit disjointed. We need to work together and get more harmony because we have some big games coming up.

"It's good to be in the top four but we are searching more for enjoyment of performance and this was a step back from last week against Huddersfield. We were not as good today."

Meanwhile, Salford chief Shaun McRae was delighted with the performance his players put in.

"It was a terrific effort but we did not handle their offloads in the second half. When Leeds get in that mood they are a difficult side to stop," he said.

"I was delighted with our first-half performance but Leeds changed their game plan and we lost the territorial battle and the final scoreline.

"But we kept trying and working hard and it needed a couple of special efforts for Leeds to get on top."