In a Nutshell
The Rhinos led most of the way and were never in danger against the winless Catalan Dragons
How it unfolded
Leeds Rhinos were far too strong for an injury-hit Catalan Dragons at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, winning 12-40, with two tries from winger Ryan Hall leading the way.
And yet the Dragons took an early lead and held on for the first quarter of the game, with wingman Michael Oldfield scoring on his debut for a try converted by halfback William Barthau.
The Rhinos finally scored on 22 minutes, when Hall and Joel Moon combined for the Australian centre to score, and they took the lead four minutes later when Brett Delaney touched down, with both tries converted by captain Kevin Sinfield.
And, after a long video-referee decision, Tom Briscoe was awarded the Rhinos’ third try, with Sinfield’s goal making it 6-18 at the interval.
The Rhinos scored four more tries in the second half, through Carl Ablett, two from Hall and Sinfield, with Sinfield converting three tries before being substituted after 67 minutes.
The Dragons’ only response in the second half was a try from Jean Philippe Baile, which Barthau converted, but the French team finished the game well beaten in front of a disappointed home crowd.
A full report and photogeraphs will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.
