Leeds celebrated Brad Arthur’s decision to extend his stay with the resurgent rhinos by exceeding half a century for the first time in the action of Betfred Super League this season while Castleford fell on another harmful defeat.
The visitors ran in 11 trials in a 64-4 victory, with Jake Connor contributing 22 points with a test and nine conversions, and Brodie Croft, Ryan Hall and Ash Handley crossing twice in a crushing victory that moves to their side by two points from Wigan, second.
Arthur’s impact as a chief coach has been remarkable since his arrival in Headingley at the end of last year, and his decision to stay until the end of 2026 is another sign of the confidence that is currently flowing in the veins of the Rhinos.
This is another story for Castleford, which was simply abject all afternoon, and had only a late test of the lateral rear Jenson Windley – little award for a hot afternoon for the 19 -year -old – to show their efforts.
Leeds took less than five minutes to report their intention at the renowned OneBore stadium while Connor launched a bold kick during their second game and Harry Newman juggled him on the line to give the Rhinos.
Four minutes later, another perfectly judged kick of Connor was seized by Lachlan Miller under the posts to prolong their lead, and there were already signs of dissatisfaction among the fans of the house who have been suffering for a long time.
A video replay failed to clarify the atmosphere while Louis Senior’s attempt to bring the Tigers back to the match while running on the dribble kick of Alex Mellor was excluded for a blow in construction.
The teenager Presley Cassell, supervised in Prop due to injuries decimating the first regular row of the rhinoceros, marked a first beginning to remember after 20 minutes when he twisted after a late unloading of Keenan Palasia.
Andy Ackers sent Croft through the fourth of Leeds and he was quickly followed by a fifth of James Bentley who again left Windley poorly exposed.
This was an desperately difficult afternoon for the 19-year-old player, who signed a long-term agreement with the club last month to find himself invited to play in an unknown role due to injuries to Fletcher Rooney and Tex Hoy.
Leeds should have had more, an effort from Handley excluded and hall rummaging Handley’s pass in the right corner, before Hall was six, ensuring that the Hooter at halftime met a cascade of boos by fans of the house.
There was no rhino relaxation after the break. Handley quickly patinated for a seventh, Newman’s beautifully weighted pass offered Hall his second in the area, then Connor fell for one of his own on time.
House fans began to broadcast for outings before Croft added a second and Handley jogging for the 11th, before those who stayed at least receive something to encourage Windley on what otherwise proven a day to forget.
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