Leeds Rhinos 34 Catalan Dragons 6
Friday 22nd Februrary 2008,
We just felt we had to title this article the way we did seen as all other media sources seem to be using corny titles about next weeks World Club Challenge clash against the Melbourne Storm.
Bluey only made one change from last week - Kylie Leuleui was back on the field after his last minute pull out from the game against the Wildcats because he had caught the flu. It was clear this wasn't going to be a great kicking game due to the wind. The Leeds Rhinos started by attacking towards the Western Terrace which must of felt strange with very little away support.
Just before the 10 minute mark, the French team suprisingly opened the scoring after Pelo went over half the length of the field after a great dummy. With the wind on their backs, Bosc converted and the score was 6-0 to the Catalans.
But it wasn't long until the Rhinos answered back. On 16, pocket rocket Burrow passed the ball out to the left hand centre after Leeds kept the ball alive brilliantly, then, Senior passed out to Donald on the wing who went over the whitewash. Sinfield failed to convert which meant the Dragons were still in the lead...
...but not for long!
Referee Ben Thaler gave the home side a penalty after Kevin Sinfield found himself on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle. After just a few of the resulting tackles, Senior once again found himself with the ball but felt he had no need to pass out further on the wing to Scott Donald, so Keith went himself through a gap to cross the line. Sinfield failed to convert again, though it was understandable with the strong wind. Leeds were now in the lead with 8 points to 6.
The Catalans gave away another avoidable penalty for a high tackle on Danny McGuire. Kirke was the Rhino to score this time, spinning out of a tackle and then putting the ball over the line from close range. We were all hoping Sinfield could keep his consequitive scoring in games going, and he did, adding the extras for Leeds.
Just before the half time hooter, Ben Thaler sent Guisset to the sin bin after repeated interference. The Champions and the homeside led in at half time 14-6 up.
With the second half just 5 minutes old, the Catalans made a fatal mistake...dropping the ball in their own 20. Leeds picked it up and moved the ball to the wing and consequently Scott Donald, who crossed the line. Sinfield couldn't find the boot, but the Rhinos still had a comfortable lead.
On 63 minutes, Leeds were in again when Danny McGuire ran 30 metres to score in front of the Carnegie Stand. Jamie Peacock made the first tackle before passing to Brent Webb who then offloaded to McGuire. This time, Rob Burrow took the kick and converted from under the sticks.
Less than 10 minutes later and the Rhinos were over the line again, thanks to a superb intercept by Lee Smith. Carl Ablett passed the ball to Senior who got his second by running 50 metres, showing to the Leeds fans he still has it in him. Sinfield finally found the boot again whilst the South Stand was singing "We love you Senior!". 30-6 was the score.
Ali Lauitiiti was the final player to add points on the board before the Rhinos travel across the city to take on Melbourne at Elland Road. A short pass from skipper Sinfield enabled Ali to dive over the line. Sinfield hit the post whilst trying to convert making the final score 34-6 to the engage Super League Champions.
Both sides made too many errors tonight but it was the most proffesional outfit that won, and that was Leeds. The Rhinos players tonight would of been thinking about the WCC next week, worried about getting injured. And as Bluey said, lets be happy we're going into the big game next week with no injuries and a 100% record.
We all no what's coming next week. According to the Headingley announcer, there are only a handful of tickets remaining for the World Club Challenge, so if you still haven't got yours, I think it's time to head to the ticket office!
Leeds Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Smith, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Diskin, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield, Lauitiiti, Bailey, Scruton, Kirke, Ablett.
Catalan Dragons: Greenshields, Wilson, Mogg, Pelo, Bosc, McGuire, Ferriol, Gorrell, Guisset, Raguin, Mounis, Carlaw, Griffi, Chan, Stacul, Casty, Khattabi, Baile.
Crowd: 14,083
Ref: Ben Thaler
Video Ref: N/A

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