Leeds Rhinos claimed their first victory in Perpignan since the 2022 Play-Offs, defeating Catalans Dragons 28-6 at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. The win, which took place in round 18 of the Betfred Super League, saw Brodie Croft achieve his second hat-trick of the season.
The match marked a significant moment for the Rhinos, who had previously been kept scoreless on their last three visits to the venue. Despite an early challenge from the Dragons, Leeds quickly established control, with Harry Newman scoring the opening try in the eighth minute.
Jake Connor’s conversion put the visitors ahead 6-0. The Rhinos’ dominance continued throughout the game, with the home side scoring their only points just before the final whistle.
Rhinos’ commanding performance
Brodie Croft’s hat-trick was a central feature of the Rhinos’ performance. His first try came after a period of pressure from Leeds, following an uncharacteristic error by Maika Sivo from the Dragons. Croft reacted quickly to a loose ball, outsprinting Zac Lipowicz to score.
Harry Newman also contributed to the scoreboard, with his try ending a three-year wait for Leeds points at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. A high bomb from Jake Connor found Newman, who finished the play. Lachie Miller also crossed the try line in the first half, helping to establish a substantial lead for Leeds.
The Rhinos went into halftime with a 16-0 advantage. The second half saw continued intensity, with both teams engaging in physical play. Croft added two more tries, completing his hat-trick, with Connor converting to extend Leeds’ lead to 28-0 with approximately 10 minutes remaining.
The Dragons managed a consolation effort in the final minute through Ugo Tison, but it was not enough to alter the outcome of the match. The victory moves the Rhinos four points clear of Wigan Warriors at the top of the table, having secured 15 wins from 18 games this season.
Player milestones and team impact
The match was also notable for several player milestones within the Rhinos squad. Captain Kallum Watkins played his 300th game for the club, joining a select group of players to reach this achievement for Leeds. Other significant career milestones included Danny Levi reaching 200 games, Jake Connor playing his 300th game, and Tom Holroyd making his 100th appearance.
The team’s success in this fixture follows a strong run of form, with Leeds having secured seven consecutive wins. This performance comes after their Magic Weekend win against Bradford Bulls. Riley Lumb made his first Super League appearance for the Rhinos since the season opener against Leigh Leopards, stepping in for the injured Ryan Hall.
Cooper Jenkins also started the game at prop, replacing the injured Keenan Palasia. Jenkins had to leave the field early in the match due to an eye injury after a collision with the Catalans’ defence.
The win in Perpignan was a significant step for the Rhinos, who had faced a challenging history at the venue. The team’s focus on performance, as highlighted by coach Brad Arthur, proved effective in breaking their previous barren run at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
The Super League season continues with Rivals Round scheduled for July 23-July 26, followed by the Elimination Play-offs on September 19-September 20, the Play-off semi-finals on September 26-September 27, and the Grand Final on October 3.
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Source: skysports.com
As NewsGB.org's Sports News Writer, Theo Marsden reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He began on a regional sports desk in Yorkshire. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Hull and completed an NCTJ diploma. Theo lives in Hull, where he follows the European Tour and amateur rugby. “Sport moves fast; readers deserve it right the first time.”