BRODIE’S A BIG HIT
New boy gets Rhinos going
HARD-HITTING Brodie Croft found his mean streak as Leeds ended Catalans’ winning start.
The Aussie stand-off is more known for his silky skills.
But here the ex-man of Steel showed his defensive prowess to stir Rhinos into action.
Croft produced one fearsome hit to rattle Theo Fages and then blasted into Arthur Mourgue to force another error.
But the pick of the bunch was when the diminutive playmaker picked up and drove enforcer Tariq Sims down the field to rev up the Headingley crowd.
On the big-money signing from Salford, Leeds boss Rohan Smith said: “Brodie came here with all the fanfare about his attack and what he can do with the ball. And he came up with some big plays again.
“But what he is is an exceptional competitor. He’s tough as.
“He showed that. Something good came off the back of that [Fages hit]. And he came up with a great play for Ash Handley’s first try.
“But I loved the bravery of our players to play some footy.”
Catalans dominated most of the first period but gained nothing.
Instead, Leeds scored the first time they got in the French side’s half, Handley getting the first of his double after latching on to Croft’s grubber.
And they crossed for back-to-back efforts when Croft sent ex-dragons prop Mickael Goudemand through, Harry Newman eventually going over for a 10-0 lead.
Catalans, who saw impressive prop Chris Satae (above) cross and Mourgue kick three goals to level the game, rued three yellow cards.
Sims and Jordan Dezaria were binned for high challenges, and Romain Navarrete was given 10 minutes for a professional foul.
Handley grabbed his second from a Cameron Smith pass after 65 minutes before Rhyse Martin made sure of the win with his boot.
Catalans boss Steve Mcnamara said: “We got ourselves into position to win. We had enough to get it done. But then there was another lack of discipline.” LEEDS: Tries: Handley (2), Newman;
Pens: Martin (2) Cons: Martin
CATALANS: Try: Satae. Con: Mourgue
Pens: Mourgue (2)