Leeds Rhinos outclass Leigh as the Centurions’ winless streak continues

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Leigh Centurions’ run has been extended to 16 games without a win during their torrid Super League campaign after they fell to a heavy defeat against Leeds Rhinos at the Leigh Sports Village.

Leigh came into the game off the back of a close defeat against Hull KR giving their fans hope that a win might well be coming soon. Unfortunately, that win didn’t come on Friday evening after they were outclassed by Richard Agar’s side. 

A poor start saw the Centurions behind after just nine minutes as Zane Tetevano crossed from close range. The try led to the first conversion miss for Rhyse Martin since facing Leigh on the 1st July, scoring 34 successive conversions during that time. 

Another try from Tom Briscoe in the corner saw Leeds take a commanding lead midway through the first half before Leigh got themselves back into the match through a try from Matty Gee after James Bell and Joe Mellor combined nicely. At half-time, the Rhinos led 10-6, but with the game so close heading into the second half, both sides were still in it to win it.

Leeds had to withhold some early pressure from the Centurions as they looked to mount a comeback to put a foothold onto the game. However, the Rhinos replied to the early Leigh pressure with a try of their own as Briscoe slid over to claim his second try of the night and gave Leeds a comfortable lead once again. Another try for Leeds followed in quick succession as Cameron Smith scampered over the line.

Further tries from Rob Lui, Brad Dwyer, Kruise Leeming and Ash Handley concluded the scoring for the Rhinos whilst Rhyse Martin got seven goals on the night.

However, the good mood may not last for Richard Agar when he finds out the extent of injuries to Luke Gale and Konrad Hurrell. Rhinos’ Head Coach confirmed when speaking to the media after the game that Gale is ‘wearing a brace on his left knee’ whilst Hurrell is also ‘wearing a boot’ due to a foot injury which he played on with for large parts of the second half. 

Two key senior players that could potentially add to what seems like the never ending list of injuries for Leeds which could play a damaging role in their hopes of achieving the play-offs this season. 

For matters on the pitch, Leeds showed some good fluid Rugby League on Friday evening and will be looking to build some momentum between now and the end of the season. 

As for Leigh, after 16 attempts, they still look for that desired first win of the season, but the way the fans got behind them on Friday night when the going got tough, you would have no idea that they sit rock bottom of the Betfred Super League. 

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