Leeds Rhinos have overcome a Challenge Cup scare to defeat Widnes Vikings 25-12 and progress to the next round.
Brad Arthur’s men were in a tough battle for the majority of the game, as the Championship side tested the Super League outfit to their limits.
Scoring twice through Mike Butt, Allan Coleman’s side will be proud of their efforts, but the Rhinos were too strong as they emerge victorious in their first competitive outing of the season.
Here are the biggest talking points from the game, as Leeds now await Monday’s draw to see who they will face in the last 16.
Know your Super League? Serious About Rugby League have a Fantasy Super League comp. Join it now and compete against our writers. PIN: 12433 Password: SARL2026
Leeds Rhinos vs Widnes Vikings Talking Points
Rhinos debutants shine
Highly-rated Leeds youngster George Brown was one of four players making their official debut for the club, and he started the game at full-back. He is more used to featuring in the halves, though Brad Arthur opted to utilise the playmaker in Lachie Miller’s absence this afternoon.
After an unforced error ended his first carry, the speedster managed to rectify that error by crossing for the first try of the game, as he was first to react to a loose ball from Brodie Croft’s kick. He scored a second shortly before half-time, in what was an extremely promising first outing in Leeds colours.
Danny Levi, who joined the club from Canberra Raiders, made his first appearance from the bench, and scored a try with one of his first touches of the game. He capitalised on a Croft line-break, and went in under the posts untouched.
Fergus McCormack, brother of centre Ned McCormack, also made his debut. He entered the fray on 55 minutes and featured at full-back, with Brown moving into the halves.
Spirited Vikings effort
Nothing can be taken away from the Vikings this afternoon, and their efforts were nothing short of remarkable.
After levelling the scores on 15 minutes, Leeds were offered a shot a two after a high tackle on Brodie Croft. The fact they took that chance highlighted that they knew they were in a contest.
Providing Leeds with some great attacking threats, their defence was just as aggressive, and they went toe-to-toe with the Super League heavyweights for the majority of the game.
Oledzki concern
One potentially devastating blow Leeds have suffered in the victory is the loss of star prop Mikolaj Oledzki.
The England international left the field on 25 minutes, after taking a tackle and getting up groggily. He departed in place of Cooper Jenkins, and the Gdansk-born prop didn’t return.
Be that due to injury or just precautionary remains to be seen, but if Oledzki is forced to miss next week, he will add to an ever-growing injury list the Rhinos are currently enduring.
Half-back O’Neill
Eyebrows were raised by Leeds fans an hour before kick-off, when the teams were announced and there was a surprising name in the Rhinos halves.
Ethan O’Neill, the Rhinos’ fourth and final debutant after signing from Leigh Leopards, was named at seven in place of Jake Connor, who was rested ahead of the season opener next week.
The back-rower slotted into the playmaking role, despite not playing there in his career previously. He was denied a try in the first half, with referee Liam Moore deeming him to have knocked on over the line, before his pass to Presley Cassell was deemed forward, ruling out another score.
He moved to his natural position half-way through the second half, as young Brown took his place.
Abdull’s kicking masterclass
They say that form is temporary, but class is permanent and one player who really stood out for Widnes was Jordan Abdull.
The former England international and Man of Steel nominee is back in the sport after a year-long absence.
The half-back provided some excellent attacking kicks that forced some errors from Leeds and that allowed his side to gain some much-needed territory.
It wasn’t to be for Widnes this afternoon, but one huge positive is that they have one of the best attacking kickers in England, let alone the Championship, at their club.
Centre steps up
It was a great day for both McCormack brothers, as Fergus made his Leeds debut, and Ned had a stellar game in the three-quarters.
Whilst he didn’t get on the scoresheet, the soon-t0-be 21-year-old had a solid performance, and although it is very early in the season, threw his name in the ring to be the club’s new first-choice.
Obviously, one performance against lower league opposition won’t automatically elevate him up the pecking order, but if he can keep that form up when he gets other opportunities in the year, he will certainly give Arthur some selection questions.
Leeds Rhinos’ latest transfer pursuit, Hull FC new boy assessed and potential cup ‘upsets’ – Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show here.
