The Rhinos moved off the bottom of the table with a win against Catalans at Emerald Headingley.
MATCH DETAILS
Adam Cuthbertson, Tom Briscoe and Brad Singleton each scored in the first twenty minutes to give Leeds an 18-0 lead. However Arthur Romano pulled one back for the Dragons before the half time whistle. A second half Sam Tomkins try gave further hope of a Catalans comeback, but further Leeds tries from Konrad Hurrell and an impressive effort from Jack Walker ensured Leeds took the two points.
The result means the Rhinos have moved up to ninth place, while still level on points with bottom side London. This is shaping up to be the closest relegation battle in years, with 6 teams seemingly involved. The loss keeps the Dragons in sixth place, but Salford and Wakefield are still in pursuit.
FOUR POINTERS
New relegation good for the game
This season saw the introduction of a new relegation system. The system has led to increased activity in the transfer market as shown by Leeds’ win now attitude in regards to trading away Tui Lolohea and Matt Parcell for the experienced Shaun Lunt and Robert Lui. Only time will tell if the gamble will work out for the Rhinos.
Catalans not safe
Despite having won 10 games this season, the Dragons are still only 6 points clear of bottom spot. A lot of results would have to go against them, but the Dragons need to pick up some wins soon to stay clear of the battle at the bottom.
Myler back to his best
Richie Myler had possibly his best game to date in a Rhinos shirt. This may have been due to new half back partner Robert Lui taking some of the pressure off. Rhinos fans will be hoping his form continues, as he is vital to their survival.
Rhinos inconsistency a problem
If the Rhinos played at the same level as on Sunday for every game this season, they’d be in a much more stable position in the table. One of their biggest issues has been the up and down form of their players. Hopefully this win will bring in some consistency at Headingley.
THE RESULT
Leeds Rhinos 31
Tries: Cuthbertson, Briscoe, Singleton, Hurrell, Walker
Goals: Sutcliffe (5)
Drop Goals: Myler
Catalans Dragons 12
Tries: Romano, Tomkins
Goals: Tomkins (2)
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Leeds Rhinos: Walker, Briscoe, Hurrell, Handley, Myler, Cuthbertson, Merrin, Dwyer, Sutcliffe, Ferres, Oledzki, Newman, Lui
Interchanges: Singleton, Smith, Donaldson, Albert
Catalans Dragons: Broughton, Mead, Wiliame, Langi, Smith, Casty, Moa, Garcia, Jullien, Da Costa, Romano, Kasiano, Tomkins
Interchanges: Bousquet, Simon, Goudemand, Maria
