Leeds climb up to ninth after victory over Catalans
Leeds climbed up to ninth in the Betfred Super League table after picking up a 31-12 victory over lacklustre Catalans at Emerald Headingley.
The Rhinos, who had won just two of their last seven games in all competitions prior to this weekend, scored five tries as they recorded their biggest margin of victory since mid-April and moved off the foot of the table.
The Rhinos gave a debut to new signing Robert Lui, while fellow new recruit Shaun Lunt was absent with an ankle knock.
Adam Cuthbertson set them on their way with a close-range effort early into proceedings, before Tom Briscoe’s intercept score and Brad Singleton’s try gave the hosts the firm upper hand within the opening quarter.
The Dragons reduced the arrears to 18-6 at the break thanks to Arthur Romano’s third try of the season out wide, and they made it a one-score game when Sam Tomkins raced under the posts after the break.
Nevertheless, Konrad Hurrell took his try tally to the season into double figures with a typical rampaging finish in the corner 13 minutes from time.
Richie Myler added a drop goal against his former club to take the game out of reach with little under 10 minutes remaining, and there was still time for Jack Walker to dart his way through the French side’s tiring defence to complete a comfortable victory.
In the other game of the afternoon, Castleford moved back into the play-off spots with a comprehensive 42-10 victory over London.
Broncos Academy graduate Tuoyo Egodo crossed against his former side early on before Mike McMeeken’s double either side of Keiran Dixon’s length-of-the-field intercept gave the Tigers a 16-4 lead at the break.
Three tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second period guaranteed victory for the hosts, with Jordan Rankin and Jake Trueman scoring either side of Egodo’s second in the corner.
James Clare and Chris Clarkson added further gloss to the scoreline as the game entered the final 20 minutes, but Rhys Williams’ consolation ensured the Londoners had the final word.