Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has warned the Rhinos' players they could fall victim to a "major overhaul" at the end of the season.
Rhinos chief executive blames players for poor run of form
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington has warned the Rhinos' first-team squad that they could fall victim to a "major overhaul" at the end of the season.
The reigning Stobart Super League champions, who have won the title in four out of the last five years, currently lie ninth in this season's table.
Their disappointing 2012 campaign reached a low-point last Friday when they were thrashed 50-8 at Headingley by a Wigan team that was missing several first-choice forwards.
And Hetherington is now openly wondering if the players who have built the current Rhinos' dynasty may need to replaced.
He told the
Yorkshire Evening Post: "I am questioning the future of the current Rhinos team and asking whether it has run its race following last Friday's defeat - and, if so, do we need a major overhaul for next season?
"It's what the fans are asking too and it's a very fair question."
Player problem
Hetherington has defended the position of coach Brian McDermott, who came under similar scrutiny during a poor run of form last season, believing that it is the players who are at fault for the alarming slump.
He added: "This squad has achieved remarkable success over the last eight years with 14 major finals. It will be a sad time when we say goodbye to these players.
"But Friday's result was devastating and hugely disappointing for all concerned. While ultimately the coach takes responsibility for team performance, it is all too easy to heap the blame on the coach and his staff when things are not going well.
"Having spent two days with the squad on a recent camp, I reckon the spirit, camaraderie, togetherness and chemistry between players and coaches is as good as I have known.
"So while accepting the standard at the top of Super League is getting better and Wigan in particular are playing exceptionally well at present, I reckon our problem lies firmly with individual player performance.
"Clearly our current squad will be together for the rest of this season and there's a long way to go, but the jury is out for 2013."
