Leeds Rhinos saw off Castleford Tigers 29-6 to move up to third in the Super League table on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s a look at some of the talking points to emerge.
Leeds depth evident
Leeds Rhinos have seen players return to action over last few weeks and all of a sudden, it seems Brad Arthur has a squad to rival the very best in the division. A loaded pack was emphasised by the presence of three big middles on the bench in the shape of Sam Lisone, Keenan Palasia and Tom Holroyd.
The fact that international back-rower James Bentley was only good enough to be the 18th man gives another clear indication of the talent the Rhinos’ squad is brimming with at present.
Arthur has depth in every position across the park now and with Maika Sivo, Andy Ackers and Alfie Edgell, the only notable injuries, it’s fair to say they’re in a good spot.
Slammin’ Sam Lisone impact
After a 25-minute arm wrestle, the game was blown open when Sam Lisone entered the field for the Rhinos. The prop broke four tackles in the spell he had just before half-time as the Tigers struggled to handle his size and ferocity.
He got the first try of the afternoon, too, powering over the line just before the break to put Leeds on the front foot. And, his second of the day with seven minutes remaining with Lachie Miller patting a high kick back into his hands.
Lisone is off-contract at the end of the season and there has been little in the way of clarity surrounding his future. However, Leeds surely have to be doing all they can to get the 31-year-old to commit to another year.
Cas injuries
There was a surprise on Danny McGuire’s teamsheet with skipper Sam Wood absence being conspicuous. The centre was replaced in the line up Louis Senior, who scored at the start of the season half, but Wood leadership would certainly have come in handy at times.
The Tigers lost star prop Tom Amone in the first half, too, after taking a blow to head while trying to tackle Sam Lisone. He never returned to the action after failing his HIA and that will rule him out next week’s game against Warrington Wolves.
Muizz Mustapha left the field late for a HIA, too.
Are Leeds contenders?
The scoreline probably doesn’t do Castleford Tigers’ efforts justice, but at the same time, it’s fair to say the Rhinos were good value for the result, turning in a second half performance that saw them establish dominance at Wheldon Road.
Lisone and Harry Newman both scored twice, while Ryan Hall touched down as well to make it a comfortable afternoon and it means that after 12 games, the Rhinos now sit third in Super League. Leeds have won five of their last six and they have a real head of steam behind them as they head into next week’s game with Wakefield Trinity.
The Rhinos will be favourites when they host Warrington the week after the Challenge Cup final before the fixture list takes a turn with games against St Helens, Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and Saints again.
Sign him up
Kallum Watkins might go down as one of the pick ups of the season with the former Salford Red Devils man continuing to star in the Rhinos pack. He started through the middle and played a key role at the start of the game before returning to the pitch in the second half to help set up Harry Newman’s second.
He’s another off contract at the end of the season and while Leeds have to think about the salary cap, they’d dearly love to keep hold of the veteran for another year.
Cas errors
Danny McGuire will be pleased with elements of his side’s performance against Leeds Rhinos but equally he’ll have been pulling his hair out with some of the mistakes his side made in the game. The sin-bin Liam Horne received for a trip in the first half will have been a big frustration and the Tigers continued to give Leeds chances to attack through their own ill discipline and mistakes in and out of possession.
They were unlucky at the start of the second half with Innes Senior gifting Harry Newman a try before Brodie Croft’s kick rebounded off Chris Atkin to set up Ryan Hall. Discipline lapses contributed to the huge amount of pressure Leeds were able to build in the final 30.
The Rhinos take the spoils 🦏#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/4wvuflvnPj
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 24, 2025
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