Match Action: Rhinos v Catalans Dragons

Leeds Rhinos gained their second victory of the season after a tough 18-10 win over Catalans Dragons.

Back-to-back tries from Ash Handley and Harry Newman just before the half hour mark gave the Rhinos a 10-2 lead at the break, before a second for Handley ensured the two points stayed at AMT Headingley. Chris Satae was the only scorer for Les Dracs, crashing over shortly after the second half.

Rohan Smith made three changes to the side that lost out to Hull KR last week. Tom Holroyd and James McDonnell made their return from injury coming off the bench, whilst Lachie Miller returned to the side after being ruled out through illness shortly before the match last time out.

The Dragons made just one change from their 34-0 win over London Broncos, with Paul Seguier replacing Mike McMeeken on the bench.

The Rhinos were on the back foot from the start after Lachie Miller couldn’t take in Jordan Abdull’s kickoff. Further errors led to huge amounts of posession for the away side, but brilliant defence from the Rhinos kept out last year’s Grand Finalists.

It wasn’t until the second quarter of the game that the Rhinos found their stride. An excellent tackle from Brodie Croft on the goal line forced an error and got both Rhinos players and fans fired up.

It was that extra spark that gave the Rhinos the first try of the game. A delicate kick in behind from Brodie Croft turned the Dragons defence around, but it was Ash Handley who touched down first for his fourth try in three matches. Rhyse Martin’s conversion from out wide swung to the left and Rhinos led 4-0.

Less than three minutes later, the Rhinos doubled their advantage. Ex-Dragon Mickael Goudemand made a superb break down the centre of the field, allowing for a quick ruck. The ball was shifted right, and ended in the hands of Newman. He forced his way over, but a dangerous tackle from Tariq Sims meant the video referee awarded a penalty try and a sin-bin for the new Dragons recruit. Martin was unsuccessful again from out wide, but made no mistake from under the posts to extend the lead to 10 with 10 to go.

The remainder of the first half continued to be an arm-wrestle, the final points came from the boot of Arthur Mourgue, who slotted over a penalty goal from 20 metres out after Andy Ackers caught Jordan Dezaria high. At half time, the Rhinos led 10-2.

The away side started the second half the better of the two sides with new recruit Chris Satae barging over from close range six minutes in. The conversion was successful it was well and truly game on. Less than 10 minutes later, Justin Sangare was sent to the sin bin after a high tackle close to the line. Mourgue added another penalty goal to equal the scores.

Shortly after, the sides were both down to 12 as Dezaria caught Croft high, much to the dismay of the Rhinos faithful.

Once Sangare returned to the field, the Rhinos made full use of the man advantage, spreading the play to create another brilliant try for Ash Handley. From deep, the ball was shifted right, and Luis Roberts’ improvised kick was deflected into the hands of Leon Ruan. The young forward made an excellent break, beating multiple defenders before being caught 15 metres out. After a quick play the ball, Cameron Smith fired a pass out to Handley, who crossed for his second of the afternoon and fifth of the season. Martin’s sideline conversion was good and the Rhinos led by six with just under 15 minutes remaining.

The try took a lot out of the away side, who had struggled to gain any second half momentum. Repeated six again calls on their own line gave referee Chris Kendall no choice but to sin bin Romain Navarette with five to play. Martin added the final points of the game from the boot to give Leeds their second victory of the season.