Rhinos hit Jack-pot

JACK WALKER brought surprise leaders Salford back down to earth with a hat-trick in a badly-needed Leeds win.

The Red Devils topped the table after two games, while the Rhinos were winless and rock bottom.

But Dave Furner’s men, who had lost to Warrington and Wigan, looked a class apart in this absorbing clash.

Young full-back Walker led the way to the delight of new coach Furner.

He said: “He is only young, playing in a position that holds a lot of responsibility but he is very brave for a 19-year-old.

“His courage is something that has stood out to me from day one. He has showed a lot of maturity.”

Marquee signing Konrad Hurrell grabbed two tries, while Adam Cuthbertson, Matt Parcell and Ash Handley also weighed in with touchdowns. Furner added: “It is always good to get a win, especially our first win. I am happy for the players and the fans.

“We have had a tough start but we have learned from it. I like how the team has responded.”

The margin of the victory was harsh on a Reds side who started both halves looking the hungrier and stronger team.

But coach Ian Watson said: “We have got to learn lessons from that. Leeds got what they deserved in the end. We did not put up a good showing of ourselves.”

Joey Lussick gave them the lead inside seven minutes and Josh Jones got the second half off to another flier with their next try.

But Salford were undone by a killer six-minute first-half spell in which Leeds clocked up 18 points from Cuthbertson, Walker and Hurrell and three Tui Lolohea goals.

They hung in after that body blow but had no answer when the Rhinos left them reeling with another blitz after the break.

Hurrell got another Leeds try while Salford’s Jansin Turgut was in the sin bin and they then ran riot.

Hooker Parcell led the late rampage, scoring one try and setting up two more for Walker and Handley.