Briscoe’s Rhinos poach top place
NOBODY seems quite sure how good Leeds Rhinos can be this season, least of all themselves.
After beating Catalans 36- 22 to fi nish top at the end of the regular rounds, few would bet against them winning silverware in the coming months.
Brian McDermott’s side face title rivals St Helens in the Challenge Cup semifi nal on Friday night as they chase the double.
Encouragingly for McDermott, yesterday’s win saw England winger Tom Briscoe, above, mark his comeback from injury with a hat- trick.
The ex- Hull man had not played since March following shoulder surgery but he showed he has lost none of his predatory instinct.
Briscoe’s return to form and fi tness is perfect timing for Leeds as they gear up for Friday’s semi- fi nal and the Super 8s, which they hope will culminate in a trip to Old Trafford for the Grand Final in October.
McDermott said: “For Tom to score a hat- trick was very good and he pretty much carried on where he left off before his injury.
“It wasn’t his busiest game but when he had the ball in his hands he looked good and not just with his tries.
“How frustrating has it been for Tom? I can only imagine, but you talk to any player who has had a long- term injury and they always mention the level of frustration and they handle it mentally.
“But we’ve got a good club here and he’s had lots of support. He’s handled it impeccably.”
Briscoe’s hat- trick was added to by Mitch Garbutt’s fi rst senior try for the club while Kallum Watkins and Brett Delaney also touched down.
Catalans scored through Tony Gigot ( 2), Morgan Escare and Scott Dureau.
Danny Craven slotted a last- minute drop- goal to give Widnes a 21- 20 home win over Salford.
The victory ensures Widnes fi nish ninth and gives them four home games instead of three in the Super 8s. Salford have to settle for 11th spot after throwing away a 20- 10 lead with 15 minutes left.
Widnes boss Denis Betts said: “It wasn’t a great game but we wanted to win to secure the extra home match .”
Warrington skipper Joel Monaghan scored twice on his return from injury in a 44- 6 rout of Castleford and England centre Leroy Cudjoe scored his 100th career try as Huddersfi eld guaranteed a top- four fi nish with a 34- 24 home win over Wakefi eld.