Even though the result may not have gone the way the Rhinos wanted, their progression of the side continues as they fell 2-0 to top of the table Tigers FC at Solar Mad Stadium.
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The Rhinos started the game strongly with Connor Earley having two good chances first from a free-kick at the top of the box and then after a good run from Alexander Mulrooney Castellano but on both occasions couldn't keep the shot down.
The Rhinos looked to be able to match the visiting side before the Tigers were awarded a penalty with 35 minutes gone after a foul from Adrian Montagner with Mark Shields converting from the spot.
The Tigers were able to hold that lead heading into the break and didn't have to wait long after halftime to extend their advantage.
Just five minutes after play resumed, Hussain Fureje was able to make the most of a rebound that fell as his feet after two sharp saves from Montagner, but with the Rhinos unable to clear the danger the Tigers forward tuck the chance away.
Earley had a chance to bring the Rhinos back to within a goal but once again wasn't able to keep the shot down.
The Tigers should have converted a chance after a miscommunication at the back provided them with an opportunity however, Montagner was able to make up for his mistake.
Issues only got worse for the Rhinos as with only a matter of minutes remaining Jacob Donadel received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card.
Despite the two-goal defeat, Rhinos assistant coach Luke Santolin felt his side should be proud of their performance.
"I think we have found our level after a tough start to the season," he said.
"I think the glaring difference between the two sides was quality in the final third. In every other aspect, I think we should be proud.
"Credit to them, they are a quality side, and for us, we saw it as a free shot to try and take down the ladder leaders.
"In the end, there would probably be a bit of regret from our perspective because if we were more focused in certain moments that things could have been a little bit tighter."
Santolin said the side's improvement came down to being able to put a consistent team on the park.
"At the start of the year we were changing a minimum of five players per week, so that has probably been the biggest change," he said.
"It has been the fourth game in a row that we have put the same team on the park. So rhythm, trust and we are starting to find that consistency which looking back things could have been different for us."
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