Rugby League: Leeds Rhinos 38 - 24 Castleford Tigers

Leeds cruised to a victory over struggling Castleford

Leeds Rhinos made it back-to-back Super League wins with a dominant victory over struggling Castleford Tigers.

Author - Oliver W

Brad Arthur’s side took control from the off, with Jake Connor, Keenan Palasia, and Harry Newman all crossing before half-time to put them firmly in the driving seat.

The second half saw more tries for the Rhinos, as Jack Sinfield, captain Ash Handley, Ryan Hall, and Riley Lumb all got on the scoresheet, lifting Leeds up to fifth in the table.

It was another tough afternoon for Castleford, who slumped to a third straight league defeat. However, tries from Fletcher Rooney, Zac Cini, Jeremiah Simbiken, and a superb solo effort from Innes Senior gave the Tigers some consolation.

The defeat drops Castleford to 11th, just above bottom-placed Salford Red Devils on points difference.

Leeds have underperformed in the last two Super League seasons, missing out on the play-offs, and Arthur has been tasked with turning things around. The experienced Australian coach had to shuffle his pack, with co-captain Cameron Smith sidelined for over two months and half-backs Brodie Croft and Matt Frawley also absent.

Despite the enforced changes, the Rhinos controlled the early stages. Connor, making his first Super League appearance in blue and amber, opened the scoring before Samoa international Palasia grabbed his first try since joining from the NRL.

 Source | Super League YouTube account 

As the home side domianted the match, Castleford’s brightest spark was undoubtedly 19-year-old full-back Rooney, who showcased his talent with a blistering break from inside his own half to put his side on the scoreboard.

However, their relief was short-lived, as veteran Hall extended his Super League record with try number 256 before Lumb crossed in the opposite corner to keep Leeds in firm control.

More Rugby League news and stories from Super News Affiliate

As the Rhinos eased off, Castleford took advantage, crossing three times in the final 10 minutes through Cini and Simbiken. The highlight, though, came from winger Senior, who capped off the night with a stunning 75-metre solo effort.

Leeds will aim to make it three wins on the bounce when they travel to Perpignan to face the struggling Catalans Dragons on Saturday. But after seeing off Salford last time out, the real tests for Arthur’s men lie ahead.

A Challenge Cup clash with St Helens is followed by Super League encounters with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves—fixtures that should give a clearer indication of their credentials this season.

Meanwhile, Castleford turn their focus to Friday’s meeting with bottom side Salford—a game they’ll see as a crucial opportunity to kickstart their campaign.