Leeds Rhinos emerged with credit after producing another gutsy performance in a 19-6 defeat to Wigan Warriors.
The Rhinos remained without a whole host of star names but dug deep again to push a strong Wigan outfit all the way.
Here, Rugby League Live takes a look at the major talking points from the game at Headingley.
Own worst enemies
The Rhinos were up against it with so many players still sidelined but with more composure and attacking intent they could have won the match.
Leeds matched Wigan in most areas, with that extra bit of quality in Zak Hardaker and Jackson Hastings ultimately the difference.
The Rhinos could not afford to give the Warriors a leg up after fielding such a makeshift side and that is exactly what they did at times, most notably in the build-up to Hastings’ crucial try.
In good shape despite record
Although it is now three defeats on the bounce for Agar’s side, the way they have competed with three top sides has been hugely encouraging.
In recent years Leeds have had their fair share of drubbings in similar circumstances but this group of players never know when they are beaten.
Once his injured troops return, Agar will have some real depth to his squad and that is an exciting prospect looking ahead to the business end of the season.
High-profile passenger
There was plenty of excitement about Kyle Eastmond’s signing but it was always going to take time for him to bed back in after almost a decade away from the sport.
Still, fans would have expected more from the half-back, with the official stats underlining how quiet he was on his return to rugby league: 13 tackles, one miss and six kicks in general play with zero carries, in sharp contrast to Hastings’ 17 for Wigan.
Even accounting for the pre-match message to “keep it simple”, for a renowned runner not to take on the line once was disappointing.
Oledzki’s Peacock tribute
With Eastmond easing himself in and a large chunk of their salary cap sat at home, the Rhinos needed their middle men to take the fight to Wigan.
Mikolaj Oledzki channelled his inner Jamie Peacock to drag his team-mates with him, making 188 metres from 22 carries as well as 44 tackles in a Herculean 80-minute effort.
The hulking prop trained with England earlier this week and last night he played like a man with Shaun Wane’s words ringing in his ears.
Reinforcements needed
While Leeds have performed admirably in recent weeks, clearly there is a need to get some points on the board.
To do that they are going to need some bodies back, starting next week against Hull KR.
If the Rhinos can take a win or two into a much-needed break at the start of May, they will be in a good position to attack the rest of the season with their star men fit and firing again.
