Castleford 6-60 Leeds: Player ratings and three major talking points

Castleford were embarrassed 60-6 by Leeds tonight, but what were the three major talking points and how did the players rate?

1. Castleford look lost

It’s not the first time this season that Castleford have looked below par, but they were so below their best anyone would think they have nothing to play for. With a Challenge Cup semi-final on the horizon, you’d think players would be trying to impress. In fact, it was anything but; they were just terrible.

2. Leeds reaping rewards of returnees

There’s been no secret of Leeds’ struggles with injuries and suspensions in 2021, but they are finally reaping the rewards of those that are returning. Luke Gale was impressive at halfback, Richie Myler dangerous at fullback and Zane Tetevano commanding down the centre. It’s no surprise that this key trio have only just got back into the first-team.

3. Is it time for Powell to go?

Much has been made of Daryl Powell’s last season in charge of Castleford and the West Yorkshire club looked dangerous at the start of the year. Unfortunately, they seem to have lost all direction and the players just didn’t look happy nor did they look willing to stop Leeds making easy metres. Powell is going to Warrington at the end of the year and it certainly doesn’t seem to have gone down well with the Castleford faithful.

Castleford Tigers
23 Greg Eden – 4
2 Derrell Olpherts – 6
3 Peter Mata‘utia – 4
12 Cheyse Blair – 4
20 James Clare – 6
25 Jordan Turner – 8
7 Danny Richardson – 5
8 Liam Watts – 5
9 Paul McShane – 8
22 Daniel Smith – 5
21 Jesse Sene-Lefao – 7
15 George Griffin – 6
18 Jacques O‘Neill – 7
Substitutes
19 Tyla Hepi – 5
24 Suaia Matagi – 7
27 Lewis Peachey – 6
28 Brad Martin – 6

Leeds Rhinos
16 Richie Myler – 9
24 Luke Briscoe – 8
4 Konrad Hurrell – 9
27 Jack Broadbent – 9
2 Tom Briscoe – 9
15 Liam Sutcliffe – 7
7 Luke Gale – 9
8 Mikolaj Oledzki – 9
9 Kruise Leeming – 10
10 Matt Prior – 9
11 Alex Mellor – 8
12 Rhyse Martin – 8
13 Zane Tetevano – 8
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer – 8
19 King Vuniyayawa – 7
25 James Donaldson – 7
31 Morgan Gannon – 7