Leeds Rhinos have found momentum in the Super League after their opening game defeat by Leigh. They achieved victory over West Yorkshire rivals Castleford.
Sivo’s Sensational Form Continues
Maika Sivo continued his sensational start to the Super League season. The Fijian winger added another three tries at Headingley, inspiring Leeds Rhinos to victory. Sivo has now scored nine tries in three matches.
George Brown put Leeds on the board. Sivo stretched the lead following Mikaele Ravalawa’s score for Cas. Sivo added his second shortly after the restart.
Sivo then completed his hat-trick following a smart one-handed offload from Chris Hankinson.
Tough Defence Secures the Win
Seven days on from their showdown with defending champions Hull KR in Las Vegas, Leeds found the going tougher against neighbours Cas, but still ran out comfortable winners.
Castleford applied plenty of pressure in the final 20 minutes. They were unable to find a way through some outstanding and determined Leeds defence.
Both sides had a try disallowed. Cam Smith saw his first-half score for Leeds chalked off for a knock-on in the build-up, and Castleford stand-off Zac Cini’s second-half try was ruled out, also for a knock-on.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Cas, who picked up their first victory of the campaign against Huddersfield in the last round, have now lost three of their opening four fixtures.
Both sides are in Challenge Cup action next weekend.
- Leeds visit Wakefield on Friday.
- Castleford host St Helens on Saturday.
Leeds: Miller, Sivo, Newman, Handley, Hall, Brown, Connor, Jenkins, Levi, Palasia, Watkins, O’Neill, Smith. Interchanges: O’Connor, Holroyd, Hankinson, Mata’utia
Castleford: Cini, Ravalawa, McIntosh, Mapapalangi, Qareqare, Asi, Weaver, Atoni, Hood, Westerman, Lane, Hirst, Stimson. Interchanges: Golding, Ashworth, Hall, Lawler
Leeds Rhinos make it three straight victories following their opening-round defeat by Leigh which he missed.