Leeds Rhinos have beaten local rivals Castleford Tigers 22-4, as Brad Arthur’s side climb to second in the league table.
The Tigers couldn’t be faulted for effort, but their attack just couldn’t click on enough occasions, and their only try came from winger Mikaele Ravalawa, as he crashed over in the corner.
Both sides head into the Challenge Cup next week, with Leeds going into their tie against Wakefield full of confidence.
Here are the biggest talking points from the game, including Maika Sivo, who was again in sensational form.
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Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers Talking Points
Rhinos avoid Vegas hangover:
Following on from their heavy win over Hull KR in Las Vegas, the Rhinos returned to Headingley, and were able to avoid a potential banana skin to keep their unbeaten run going.
Leeds scored four tries, with three of those coming from Maika Sivo. The Fijian continued his impressive try scoring streak, and is now averaging a hat-trick per game.
Lachie Miller and Jake Connor were influential, as they always are when the Rhinos play well, whilst Cameron Smith and Cooper Jenkins dominated in the pack.
Tigers escape sin bin:
Castleford could consider themselves quite lucky to not be a man down in the first half, after a challenge in the air between Mikaele Ravalawa and Lachie Miller.
Tom Weaver’s high kick pinned Miller into a corner, and both players went up for the ball. Miller jumped before the Fijian winger, and was taken out in the air, landing awkwardly.
Referee James Vella deemed that only a penalty was sufficient, and opted to speak to both captains after players from each side ran in to the fray.
Injury concerns:
Leeds were without James McDonnell for this game, with the back rower dropping out of the 17 in place of Ethan O’Neill. Brodie Croft didn’t also feature after his Vegas heroics, with the playmaker suffering a hamstring issue in the victory over KR.
For Castleford, there was still no Brock Greacen, who is yet to feature in Super League. The Tigers’ injury list also includes Blake Taaffe, Semi Valemei and Alex Mellor among others.
Rhinos’ new cult hero:
Leeds fans have certainly found their new favourite, as winger Sivo crossed for another hat-trick, taking his tally to nine in three Leeds matches. The former Parramatta man crossed in typical Sivo fashion, receiving the ball 10m from the line and using all his strength to convert the opportunity.
The Rhinos faithful must wonder what could have been if their new star hadn’t picked up the cruel ACL injury that ruled him out for the entire 2025 season.
The future is bright:
After impressive performances from young English stars Cai Taylor-Wray and Jack Farrimond this weekend, another young homegown talent made their mark in Super League.
George Brown came into the Rhinos side in place of the injured Croft, and had an instant impact on the game.
Scoring the opening try, Brown combined well with Man of Steel Connor. His defensive work was solid, whilst his kicking game was threatening too, something Leeds didn’t utilise enough in his debut game vs Leigh.
400 not out for Westerman:
Castleford Tigers and Super League stalwart Joe Westerman racked up his 400th league appearance this afternoon, a feat only 16 other players have achieved in the competition’s history.
In a career that has spanned 20 seasons, Westerman made his Tigers debut back in 2007, and was awarded the Young Player of the Year award in the following campaign.
Spells at Hull FC, Warrington, Toronto and Wakefield make up the rest of his rugby league journey, a journey that includes a sole England cap, a Grand Final appearance and a two Wembley trips.
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