Rhinos end barren run in Perpignan
The Leeds Rhinos secured a significant 28-6 victory over the Catalans Dragons at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, marking their first win in Perpignan since the 2022 Play-Offs. This result in round 18 of the Betfred Super League saw Brodie Croft achieve his second hat-trick of the season, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. The win extends the Rhinos’ lead at the top of the table by four points.
The match began with the Dragons showing early intent, but the Rhinos quickly took control. Harry Newman scored the opening try in the eighth minute, with Jake Connor’s conversion putting the visitors ahead. Despite some early pressure from the home side, Leeds maintained their composure and built on their lead throughout the game.
The Rhinos’ dominance was evident, as the Dragons did not manage to score until late in the game. Croft’s long-range effort and two solo tries were complemented by first-half scores from Newman and Lachie Miller, establishing a strong lead for Leeds. The team’s performance was consistent, preventing the Dragons from gaining significant momentum.
This victory was particularly notable as the Stade Gilbert Brutus had not been a successful venue for Leeds in recent years. Head coach Brad Arthur had previously acknowledged the team’s struggles in Perpignan, where they had been kept scoreless on their three prior visits. Arthur had expressed his focus on performance over statistics, and his team delivered a strong showing for their travelling supporters.
Key moments and player milestones
The game saw several key moments and individual achievements for the Rhinos. Brodie Croft’s hat-trick was a highlight, with his tries in the 19th, 55th, and 66th minutes showcasing his impact. Lachie Miller also crossed the try line in the 36th minute, further solidifying Leeds’ advantage before the break. Jake Connor successfully converted four of the five tries, contributing to the final score.
The match also marked significant career milestones for several Rhinos players. Captain Kallum Watkins played his 300th game for the club, joining a distinctive group of players. Additionally, Danny Levi reached 200 games, Jake Connor celebrated his 300th game, and Tom Holroyd achieved 100 games. These milestones underscore the experience within the Leeds squad.
The Rhinos’ squad saw some changes for this fixture. Riley Lumb was included on the wing in place of the injured Ryan Hall, marking Lumb’s first Super League appearance since the season opener. Cooper Jenkins also started at prop alongside Mikolaj Oledzki due to an injury to Keenan Palasia. Jenkins, however, left the field early in the game due to an eye injury after a hit from the Catalans’ defence.
Despite an unconvincing start and an early injury, Leeds quickly adapted. Harry Newman’s opening try was set up by a strong offload from Danny Levi, followed by a high bomb from Jake Connor that Newman collected to score. A series of errors from the Dragons, including a dropped ball near the try line and a wild offload, allowed Croft to score his first try, sprinting over 60 metres.
Second-half control and Dragons’ late consolation
The second half began with some intensity, as both teams clashed early on, leading to a warning from referee Liam Moore. Despite the scrappy nature of the play, the Rhinos maintained their control. Croft continued his scoring run, with his second try coming after a well-executed play involving Lachie Miller, where Croft used a dummy to evade the defence.
The Dragons struggled to convert their opportunities. One attempt saw Cotric unable to get past Maika Sivo, while another attack was thwarted by Ash Handley. Croft completed his hat-trick after a mistake from Laguerre, with Jarrod O’Connor setting him up for the score. This extended Leeds’ lead to 28-0 with approximately 10 minutes remaining.
The Dragons eventually managed a consolation try in the final minute, with Ugo Tison scoring. However, this did not alter the outcome of the match, which saw Leeds secure their seventh consecutive win. The Rhinos’ strong performance in Perpignan was a testament to their form, having won 15 of their 18 games this season.
The victory was a significant one for Leeds, not only for ending their barren run in Perpignan but also for solidifying their position at the top of the Super League table. The team’s next challenge will be in the upcoming Rivals Round, scheduled between July 23-July 26.
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Source: skysports.com