| Leeds (22) 46 |
| Tries: Hooley, Fusitu’a 3, Olpherts, Sinfield, Lisone, Walters Objectives: Martin 7 |
| Castleford (0) 0 |
Leeds Rhinos atoned for 2 successive thumpings as they ended their season with a giant Tremendous League win over Castleford Tigers.
Luke Hooley received the Rhinos off the mark earlier than David Fusitu’a and Derrell Olpherts padded out their benefit.
Jack Sinfield crossed to present Leeds a 22-0 half-time lead and Fusitu’a picked up the place they left off on the restart.
Fusitu’a accomplished his hat-trick whereas Sam Lisone and Sam Walters added to the rout to spherical out the victory.
Each side have had seasons to neglect, with Leeds lacking out on a play-off spot regardless of Rohan Smith main them to the Tremendous League Grand Remaining throughout the first 5 months of his tenure final yr.
Castleford, in the meantime, got here narrowly near relegation this time period having hovered across the foot of the desk and tussling with Wakefield for backside spot.
Leeds named a younger aspect, with Alfie Edgell and Tom Nicholson-Watton making their debuts off the bench whereas Walters began in his remaining look for the membership.
Coming into the sport off the again of a 61-0 drubbing by Catalans, which itself got here after a 50-0 humbling by Wigan, Leeds sought to place their current woes behind them as they dominated the primary half.
The hosts prospered from a well-timed run from Hooley to motor by a niche within the Castleford defence for his or her first strive, whereas Fusitu’a labored onto Harry Newman’s offload so as to add to their tally.
Olpherts received on the scoresheet earlier than the break as he touched down within the nook and Sinfield intercepted and raced in simply earlier than the hooter.
Fusitu’a, on his a hundred and fiftieth profession look for Leeds, collected a kick to the nook to attain his second strive of the night time however tempers flared as Liam Watts and Lisone had been each despatched to the bin after a coming collectively.
Lisone then scored Leeds’ seventh strive after his return to the sector as he latched onto a Sinfield move whereas Walters slid in to mark his remaining look in fashion.
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith:
“It was emphatic – there was an actual drive and dedication from the primary whistle.
“It exhibits the spirit, most from the younger blokes who’ve been bashed from pillar to publish.
“We ended the season in addition to we may have – it could not have gone any higher.
“We confirmed a whole lot of spirit and skill to get off the ground, so we shall be higher for it.
“I respect the followers and I anticipate they had been disillusioned within the general season – however we shall be preventing again in pre-season, for certain.”
Castleford Tigers interim coach Danny Ward:
“It was very disappointing to exit the best way we did – with none struggle or urgency.
“We received outplayed from begin to end. We constructed it up and wished to finish the season on a excessive.
“I do know it has been a troublesome yr for everybody concerned, however that was a troublesome one tonight.
“We should always have the ability to compete whether or not we’re preventing for survival or not.”
[On whether he will take charge of Castleford next season] “We have had conversations with the membership this week and I’ve made no secret that I wish to keep.”
Leeds: Hooley; Fusitu’a, Newman, Handley, Olpherts; Martin, Sinfield; Oledzki, O’Connor, Walters, Gannon, McDonnell, Donaldson.
Interchanges: Edgell, Lisone, Nicholson-Watton, Johnson.
Castleford: Rooney; Qareqare, Broadbent, Turner, Eden; Austin, Miller; Matagi, Horne, Massey, Edwards, Mellor, Lawler.
Interchanges: Mustapha, Martin, Corridor, Watts.
Referee: James Vella.