Leeds Rhinos defeated Catalan Dragons 46-10 at Headingley to secure a third victory of the season. The hosts made the most of a scrappy first half but dominated the second to secure a vital two points.
Fiery first half
Referee James Child was the key figure in the first half as he sent Leeds players Adam Cuthbertson and Jimmy Keinhorst into the sin-bin for separate offences. But the Rhinos took a 14-4 lead into the break after tries from Cuthbertson and Matt Parcell and a score from Catalan’s Brayden Wiliame.
Dominant second period
Brian McDermott’s men showed their superiority in the second period, scoring five tries to the Dragons’ one. Rob Burrow went over from a trademark scampering run through the visitors’ defence while Danny McGuire and Keinhorst both added individual tries.
Poor performance from Catalan
While Catalan were undefeated coming into this round four fixture, their unbeaten run was ended abruptly by a fantastic Leeds display. It is now no wins in two for the French outfit and Laurent Frayssinous will have work to do next week as they prepare to host lowly St Helens.
Morale boost for Rhinos
There was speculation of Leeds boss McDermott coming to the end of his tenure at Headingley but this win has proven that the Yorkshire club can produce despite an indifferent start to 2017. This latest victory will give the side massive confidence going into round five where they host Wakefield Trinity.
Leeds Rhinos 46
Tries:ย Adam Cuthbertson (x2), Matt Parcell (x1), Jimmy Keinhorst (x1), Liam Sutcliffe (x1), Danny McGuire (x1), Rob Burrow (x1)
Goals:ย Liam Sutcliffe (x9)
Catalan Dragons 10
Tries:ย Brayden Wiliame (x1), Julian Bousquet (x1)
Goals:ย Luke Walsh (x1)
