Castleford Tigers 16-14 Leeds Rhinos: Highlights, player ratings and talking points

Castleford took on Leeds Rhinos at the Jungle this Easter Monday afternoon.

The Tigers scored two tries in the opening 20 minutes to go into an 8-0 lead, but Leeds came back through Rhyse Martin on the stroke of half-time to make it 8-6 at the break.

Highlights

Castleford’s second try was superb with Paul McShane’s pinpoint kick falling perfectly for Derrell Olpherts.

Rhyse Martin’s second try was a cracker, involving Ash Handley down the wing.

Liam Watts’ try will be talked about for years by the Sky Sports Man of the Match.

Talking points

1. Cas should have been out of sight at first-half

The amount of ball and possession that Castleford had in that first-half, they should have been out of sight. Coupled with Gareth O’Brien’s two missed conversions, they were leading by just two at the break.

2. Appalling Cas mistakes

Some of the Castleford mistakes were absolutely criminal. There were knock-ons in great conditions, shocking obstructions and just a general lack of respect for the ball. The Tigers were their own worst enemies throughout the 80 minutes and didn’t need Leeds to beat them as they almost did it themselves.

3. Bentley rage

James Bentley has given himself a reputation as a hard-hitting forward, but he can go too far over the edge at times. Today wasn’t any different and the ex-St Helens man was given a yellow card for a swinging arm on Joe Westerman after being angered by Liam Watts earlier in the tackle count.

4. Kruise Leeming at halfback

Blake Austin went off with a head knock early in the first-half with Leeds looking dismal. However, up stepped Kruise Leeming with a superb display, helping the Rhinos to almost clawing their way back into the game. Maybe, Jamie Jones-Buchanan should go with Leeming more often in the halves.

Player ratings

Castleford Tigers

1 Niall Evalds – 7
2 Derrell Olpherts – 7
4 Jake Mamo – 5
17 Mahe Fonua – 5
20 James Clare – 8
6 Jake Trueman – 8
31 Gareth O’Brien – 6
8 Liam Watts – 8
9 Paul McShane – 7
15 George Griffin – 5
11 Kenny Edwards – 7
12 Adam Milner – 6
13 Joe Westerman – 7
Substitutes
14 Nathan Massey – 6
19 Tyla Hepi – 5
22 Daniel Smith – 6
33 Jason Qareqare – N/A