REPORT: Leeds Rhinos vs Castleford Tigers

Castleford Tigers were defeated 22-4 at AMT Headingley on Sunday afternoon, in a game with more positives than the scoreline suggests.

It was Cas with the bright start on Joe Westerman’s 400th Super League appearance, as the Tigers looked to capitalise on some poor discipline from the home side, but it was the Rhinos that got the first try of the afternoon.

The Rhinos finally had some field position ten minutes in, and a high ball from Jake Connor wasn't dealt with, with George Brown crashing over under the sticks to score his first Super League try, after a pass from Keenan Palasia.

However, a good response from the Tigers meant it was soon try time - with quick hands down the right proving fruitful after Darnell McIntosh found Mikaele Ravalawa, who forced his way over the line out wide! Weaver’s kick couldn’t quite make it through, however, and the home side stayed ahead by two.

Cas kept pushing after the try, but again, it was the Rhinos that put points on the board. After a goal line drop-out didn’t reach the required distance, Maika Sivo, after his Vegas exploits, was on the scoresheet again in the corner. This time, Connor’s kick went wide.

The Rhinos were then over the line just two minutes before the half, but the video referee couldn’t overrule the on-field decision of ‘No Try’.

A penalty right on the hooter meant the Tigers considered a final big play to end the half, but it was 10-4 as the players went back to the dressing rooms.

The second half started with some promise, but Leeds got the ball after an incorrect play-the-ball and a high ball from Connor on the last was once again not dealt with by the Tigers defence, and Maika Sivo strolled over to score his second of the afternoon. Connor’s kick from wide was good.

Not to give up, Cas then had the ball over the line after a Jason Qareqare break had pushed them up the field, and George Hirst handed it to Zac Cini who went through to score - but the referee, and video referee, ruled that Hirst had knocked the ball on.

It was soon more frustration for the Tigers, as the home side went down the other end to see Maika Sivo complete his hat-trick on the left after some good, incisive passing. Connor added the extras.

With ten to go, a terrific break from Krystian Mapapalangi saw him get the ball to Daejarn Asi, who looked to send Jason Qareqare on his way - but an unbelievable defensive effort from Ryan Hall broke up the Tigers’ best chance of the second half, before the next set saw the away side close on a number of occasions without being able to add points.

With Castleford unable to find a second-half breakthrough, the game ended 22-4 to the hosts.