Last night, Catalans notched the half century to lend further credence to the notion that they may very well be on the road to Old Trafford whilst the Leeds Rhinos youngsters shone in a 48-18 win over Leigh. Well that was my view. What was yours?
Let’s start at Headingley. It was a wonderful night for the Rhinos’ young talent. Six tries came from players under the age of 21 and four of them were courtesy of the brilliant Jack Broadbent. Unsurprisingly, Leeds fans were excited by his performance.
FOUR!!!! @JackBroadbent13 is on fire!! π₯π₯π₯
— Rhinos Faithful ππ (@RhinosFaithful) July 1, 2021
Jack Broadbent scores tries. That will be all.
— Leeds Rhinos Newsroom (@RhinosNewsroom) July 1, 2021
Jack Broadbent is class
— πππ¬π§ππ πππ (@lawrielee) July 1, 2021
Despite his natural position being at centre and the fact he previously starred at fullback this year, he’s taken to the wing slot like a duck to water. In his three appearances on the left flank this term he’s scored seven tries and is Leeds’ top try scorer. This week the Rhinos were linked with a move for Warrington winger Tom Lineham. But the form of Broadbent has led many to believe Lineham isn’t needed.
Dear @leedsrhinos, there is no need for Tom Lineham. Keep @JackBroadbent13 on the wing. TIA, every Leeds Rhinos fan.
— Rhinos Faithful ππ (@RhinosFaithful) July 1, 2021
However, Broadbent was perhaps upstaged by the best try from a prop you’ll see this season. Despite playing in only his second game of the year following a nasty injury, Tom Holroyd produced a stunning display capped off by a superb solo try in which he side-stepped the fullback. Twitter loved it.
Tom Holroyd, jack broadbent and leeming were a joy to watch tonight ππ
— Josh Jackson (@joshjacksonlrfc) July 1, 2021
Excuse me. Step aside. Tank coming through.
This kid is an absolute stud. Well done @tomholroyd_ sensational performance again. https://t.co/eiOK21QSK7
— Richard Stockdale (@Richipops1) July 1, 2021
Disgraceful. I had my kids there. One of who is an U8βs prop. Heβs gonna want to side step everyone on a Sunday morning now π€¦π»ββοΈπ€£
— Shaun Dennison (@Rhinoshaund_VI) July 2, 2021
Some of his teammates even took to social media to praise the prop’s fine footwork including absent star Konrad Hurrell.
Yes big tom … you want some Iβll give it yaaaa https://t.co/dvULM1hJGq
— Brad dwyer (@DwyerBrad) July 1, 2021
Big Tommy πππ https://t.co/FgGnRwoahH
— Konrad Hurrell (@konmanhurrell) July 1, 2021
His performance, coupled with the superb showings from 17-year-old Morgan Gannon and 20-year-old Sam Walters, got Leeds fans excited about the future of the Rhinos pack.
The future at Leeds Rhinos is massive in the front row….
Oledzki Leeming Holroyd
Gannon Bentley
Waltersππ
— Rhinos Faithful ππ (@RhinosFaithful) July 1, 2021
Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, it was a tough night for Huddersfield. The Giants’ season is yet to get going and their injury problems have only compounded their struggles. However, despite the loss last night one or two youngsters – including the debuting son of Super League legend Leon Pryce – shone to give the Giants fans hope for the future.
Will Pryce, the latest to roll off the academy production line.
Our main aim is to continue to help fund the academy and we are always very proud when one of them makes the grade, well done Will, let's hope there's more to come πͺπΌhttps://t.co/moR1SAl0Kb— Huddersfield Giants Supporters Association (HGSA) (@HudGiantsSA) July 1, 2021
Sam Tomkins earlier try meant he has scored 1000 points in the Betfred Super League, a fantastic feat!
— Josh Knowles (@JKnowlesSport) July 1, 2021
Then, in a moment of class, Tomkins went over to welcome Pryce onto the field as new met old.
Moment of class from Sam Tomkins. While Maloney was taking kick, Will Pryce came on and Tomkins went over to shake his hand.
— john leach (@jl195480) July 1, 2021