Salford kept testing the Rhinos but were unable to get on the board or stop James McDonnell’s scoring skills in round 7 of the Betfred Super League.
Both sides continuously pushed each other back and forth over the 80 minutes but, even with two sin bins, Leeds were able to get over the line for 5 tries, 4 of which were from McDonnell, to go home with a 28-0 lead.
A dramatic start to the match saw Palasia served a yellow card after a collision with Atkin. Salford were given a penalty and they pushed right to Leeds’ line in their first set.
The Rhinos pushed to Salford’s end and Hall almost got on the scoreboard after collecting a chip but knocked on just before the line.
With their next set, Miller attempted an offload to O’Connor who was wrapped up by Mellor, forcing a Leeds knock-on. Salford used the scrum advantage and pushed to the line but Morgan’s chip was unable to be grounded.
Leeds won the race to the scoreboard as McDonnell jumped over the line down the right wing. However, the lead wasn’t taken too far as Connor missed the conversion in front of the screaming Salford fans.
A head collision between Wright and McDonnell saw Wright come off for HIA and Sangare in his place. Wright passed his HIA and was brought back on just before half-time.
Leeds won their Captain’s Challenge for a ball strip in a tackle, awarding them a penalty.
Sangare saved Leeds’ attempt at the line as he collects a chip from McDonnell, halting their attack.
This was followed by another try-saving defence from Morgan who collected the ball and got it back off the try-line.
Salford continued defending their line after persistent Rhinos attacks until half-time but a penalty kick by Miller gave Leeds an extra two-point lead.
The second half kicked off unfortunately for the home side as McDonnell quickly got his second try of the night, running across to beneath the sticks.
Getting his hat trick just minutes later, McDonnell crossed the whitewash for a third time.
Oledzki’s harsh tackle on Foster saw the Rhinos brought down to 12 men yet again as he was handed a yellow.
Off the back of this, Salford got right to the line and almost got on the scoreboard but Morgan was obstructed by Lisone as he attempted to chase his own chip. They were given a penalty and another set of 6 but were unable to get the points.
Newman almost got his name on the scoreboard but his try was disallowed for double movement.
More misfortune for the Reds saw Miller cross the whitewash and convert his own try to push Leeds into a 22-0 lead with 12 minutes left on the clock.
With a skip out of a tackle, McDonnell crossed the line once again for his 4th of the night. Only minutes later, a forward pass just prevented adding a 5th to his tally in the penultimate minute.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Chris Atkin, Josh Wagstaffe, Esan Marsters, Jonny Vaughn, Billy Glover, Jayden Nikorima, Kai Morgan, Jack Ormondroyd, Joe Mellor, Matty Foster, Shane Wright, Joe Shorrocks, Harvey Wilson
Interchanges: Sam Davis, Justin Sangare, Jamie Pye, George Hill
Tries:
Conversions:
Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Riley Lumb, Matt Frawley, Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor, Cooper Jenkins, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Keenan Palasia
Interchanges: Jack Sinfield, Sam Aisone, Morgan Gannon, Tom Holroyd
Tries: McDonnell (4), Miller
Conversions: Connor (0/1), Miller (4/5)
HT: 0-6
FT: 0-28
