Jack Walker scored a hat-trick as Leeds secured their first points of the season against in form Salford.
MATCH DETAILS
The pressure on Dave Furner has eased following a commanding victory against Salford, who started the day top of the table.
Salford started quicker, getting the open try before three quick fire Leeds tries put the Rhinos firmly in the driver’s seat.
Salford’s Joey Lussick opened the scoring with a dive for the line from dummy half. Leeds answered back with a clever offload from Trent Merrin to Adam Cuthbertson who barrelled over the line.
Leed held the 18-6 lead until half time, and while the Red Devils got the first try of the second half, Jansin Turgut was sin binned which stalled Salford’s momentum.
After that the tries began flowing with Leeds showing real creativity and speed to cut through Salford’s defence consistently. Centre Konrad Hurrell was dominant and looks to be a valuable signing.
The result will come as a shock to many given Salford’s hot form coming into the game and Leeds’ struggles in their opening two games. Salford fans will be hoping this is just a temporary blip in an otherwise impressive opening month for the Red Devils, who now need to put the result behind them ahead of Friday’s trip to Hull Kingston Rovers.
The Rhinos will be hoping this is the first of many wins for a side that seems to be growing stronger every game. The halves pairing of Richie Myler and Tui Lolohea will be interesting viewing in the coming weeks.
FOUR POINTERS
Myler and Lolohea can work together
A big criticism coming into the game was that Richie Myler and Tui Lolohea were incompatible in the halves. However on Sunday they linked up well and seem to have found a rhythm.
Salford far from in trouble
The main talking point of the game will be the massive amount of points the Rhinos put up. But the scoreline is slightly deceiving given the bulk of the scoring came in quick bursts. Salford can be a real contender this season if they pick up the consistency.
Singleton back in contention
It would appear David Furner’s shock decision to send prop Brad Singleton to Featherstone last week has motivated the Cumbrian to push on and earn a place in the side. It also sent the message that no player is assured a place in the side, a sure-fire way to keep players 100% focused.
Overseas players continue to impress
Jackson Hastings, Konrad Hurrell have both caused an immediate impact at their respective clubs. Hastings last season and Hurrell this season. It looks as though Tui Lolohea may have a similar impact now he’s settled into his role. Without debating the implications of teams looking overseas rather than academies, it is very refreshing to see such big name and exciting players playing in Super League.
THE RESULT
Salford Red Devils 14
Tries:ย Lussick, Jones
Goals:ย Sio (3)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
Leeds Rhinos 46
Tries:ย Walker (3), Cuthbertson, Hurrell (2), Parcell, Handley
Goals:ย Lolohea (7)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
SQUADS
Salford Red Devils:ย Evalds, Welham, Sau’u, Lui, Mossop, Dudson, Jones, Flanagan, Lussick, Olpherts, Sio, Turgut, Hastings
interchanges: Griffin, Burke, Nakabuwai, Tomkins
Leeds Rhinos:ย Walker, Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Cuthbertson, Dwyer, Merrin, Ward, Ferres, Peteru
Interchanges: Parcell, Smith, Singleton, Donaldson
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