THINNER WINNER!

Slimline Sangare’s a...

JUSTIN SANGARE has shed the pounds and reaped the rewards with Leeds.

The tall France prop helped bash his fellow countrymen into submission on Saturday.

Sangare got stuck in as Rhinos inflicted Catalans’ first defeat of the campaign.

And he revealed losing some timber has helped him nail down a starting spot in Rohan Smith’s side. Sangare, who turns 26 on Thursday, said: “I’m very happy because I have had a hard pre-season.

“I really looked at my food intake and what I eat to make sure I can be as fit as I can be. I did that to give myself every chance.

“And I am a lot lighter. I was 120 kilos but I’m down to 115 now. “I feel better for it. I went through the process with the coaches here, they helped me a lot and now we can see it on the pitch. “Beating Catalans is a good achievement. But we need to keep going – and be patient at the same time.” England duo Ash Handley (2) and Harry Newman scored tries with Rhyse Martin booting three goals as Rhinos made it two wins from three this term.

Sangare (left)

will face a nervous wait, though, to see if he is able to face Leigh on Friday. The match review panel will today decide if any further punishment is needed for a high tackle on Alrix Da Costa which saw him yellow-carded.

But Catalans are even more anxious given Tariq Sims, Jordan Dezaria and Romain Navarrete all received second-half sin-bins as their discipline disappeared.

Smith, though, argued all four cards were merely “accidents”.

Sangare, who played 18 times off the bench after joining from Toulouse last season, added: “There’s a lot of decisions from the referee and during the game we can talk about.

“But the decision is in the hands of the referee and the RFL. We just have to let them make it.”

Aussie stand-off Brodie Croft was at the heart of Leeds’ best moves but not just with his creative skills. He also put in some fierce hits to rouse Rhinos when needed.

Sangare enthused: “Brodie’s the complete player. He’s good in defence, he’s good in attack, smart, strong and that’s great for us. We saw it again.”

Catalans prop Chris Satae scored a try and Arthur Mourgue slotted three goals – but the sluggish visitors never led.

As the crackdown on head contacts continued, Dragons boss Steve McNamara said: “It’s difficult for everybody concerned right now, players and referees included.

“I don’t think there was anything too bad. They are yellow cards but nothing more.”