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Lachie Miller celebrates scoring Leeds Rhinos’ second try
Betfred Super League
Castleford (0) 6
Try: Windley Goal: Atkin
Leeds (36) 64
Tries: Newman, Miller, Cassell, Croft 2, Bentley, Hall 2, Handley 2, Connor Goals: Connor 9, Hankinson
Leeds Rhinos emphatically asserted their Super League credentials with a dominant 64-6 victory over Castleford Tigers at the OneBore Stadium, moving into third place.
The Rhinos showcased their attacking prowess, running in 11 tries in a comprehensive display. Jake Connor delivered a near-perfect kicking performance, converting nine goals.
Castleford’s late consolation try did little to mask a deeply concerning performance, setting the stage for a difficult review session.
Leeds established early dominance, with Harry Newman scoring within five minutes, converted by Connor to initiate his stellar kicking display.
Further tries from Lachie Miller, Presley Cassell, Brodie Croft, James Bentley and Ryan Hall saw the Rhinos surge to a commanding 36-0 lead at half-time.
In the second half, Ash Handley, Hall again, Croft with his second, Connor and Handley completed the rout before Windley’s late consolation.
The victory provides a timely boost for head coach Brad Arthur, who recently recommitted to the Rhinos, signing a contract extension.
While Leigh Leopards could potentially reclaim third place, Leeds appear increasingly secure in their bid for a top-six finish, holding a significant buffer over Wakefield Trinity.
The Rhinos now eye a potential home semi-final, demonstrating the threat they pose to their rivals.
Leeds have recorded victories against all other teams currently in the play-off positions.
In contrast, Castleford’s season appears to be in freefall.
With a new coach expected to be announced imminently, and a lengthy injury list, the team is clearly struggling. This performance was particularly disappointing.
The ironic cheers that greeted Jenson Windley’s consolation try underscored the club’s current predicament.
Castleford Tigers interim head coach Chris Chester said:
“I thought it was pathetic. The way we played in that first 40 minutes was probably the worst individual and collective performance I’ve ever been involved in.
“I made it quite clear at half-time what I thought about that first 40 minutes, and it just continued in the second half. I can only sit here and apologise for the lack of effort.
“I could tell after three minutes we were in for a long afternoon. We’re taking two steps forward then three steps back and a lot is to do with mentality.
“When things aren’t going well there are too many guys here who just wave the white flag, and that’s more disappointing than anything. There were some players who gave a good account of themselves but I think you could count on two fingers who they were.”
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur said:
“Everyone wants to try to finish as high as they can and we’re no different to anyone else. But we’ve got to take it a week at a time. It would be really nice to reward ourselves with a home (play-off) final, so it’s definitely something we want to aspire to.
“I was very happy with our intent physically. Sometimes it’s hard to continue that for 80 minutes but overall I felt we still had the same level of physicality and intent at the end of the game.
“It’s going to be a big seven weeks going into the finals so we’ve just got to make sure everybody’s got enough game time. Sometimes you can start looking ahead too soon. We’ll enjoy the performance tonight and crack onto it [the Hull KR game] on Monday.”
Castleford: Windley, Simm, Wood, Senior, Wallis, Asi, Atkin, Singleton, Robb, Amone, Lawler, Mellor, Westerman
Interchanges: Griffin, Hall, Mustapha, Stimson
Leeds: Miller, Hall, Handley, Newman, Hankinson, Croft, Connor, Palasia, Ackers, Cassell, McDonnell, Gannon, Watkins
Interchanges: Bentley, Lisone, Littlewood, O’Connor
Referee: Aaron Moore.
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