Leeds Rhinos 26-0 Wakefield Trinity: Talking points and player ratings

Leeds Rhinos thumped West Yorkshire rivals Wakefield 26-0 tonight at Headingley.

Talking Points:

Jarrod O’Connor is one of the best hookers in Super League
Big statement, but O’Connor looks like he has been playing nine his whole life. He is the complete hooker with speed out of acting half, a good pass and is superb in defence.

Wakefield ill-discipline
It is fair to say that Wakefield had some big calls go against them but they also didn’t help themselves with dissent calls against them.

Wakefield injury woes worsen
That didn’t help them nor did the injuries to Lee Gaskell and Samisoni Langi which only adds to their lengthy injury list early in the season. It is a good job Mark Applegarth promised a new signing and soon.

Newman the centre of attention but let’s not forget MacDonald
Newman is the headline maker as he scored on his return from injury but his fellow centre Nene MacDonald also scored and again looked sensational. Leeds could have two of the best centres in Super League.

Lisone looking good
Some were critical of Sam Lisone early in his Leeds career but today coming off the bench he looked brutal against Wakefield. Lookibg like a good find.

Worrying Wakefield attack
It is now over 240 minutes of rugby since Wakefield last scored. Three nils in a row is a concern for Applegarth and they are routed to the foot of the table at present.

Playing Ratings:

Leeds
1 Richie Myler – 8
16 Derrell Olpherts – 7
4 Nene MacDonald – 8
5 Ash Handley – 6
2 David Fusitu’a – 8
6 Blake Austin – 8
7 Aidan Sezer – 8
10 Zane Tetevano – 6
14 Jarrod O’Connor – 8
18 Tom Holroyd – 7
19 James McDonnell – 7
12 Rhyse Martin – 7
13 Cameron Smith – 8
Substitutes
3 Harry Newman – 7
11 James Bentley – 7
15 Sam Lisone – 8
22 Sam Walters – 8

Wakefield
15 Liam Kay – 7
18 Lee Kershaw – 7
4 Reece Lyne – 6
21 Samisoni Langi – 6
2 Jorge Taufua – 6
6 Lee Gaskell – 6
7 Mason Lino – 7
17 Renouf Atoni – 6
9 Liam Hood – 6
10 Jai Whitbread – 7
11 Matty Ashurst – 6
13 Jay Pitts – 7
14 Jordy Crowther – 7
Substitutes
20 Morgan Smith – 6
19 Kevin Proctor – 6
25 Sam Eseh – 6
8 Eddie Battye – 6