Illness continues to strike Salford Red Devils before of their must-win final-day match against Catalans Dragons.
Leeds Rhinos were defeated 61-0 away to Catalans in what was a depressing watching experience for fans in France and on Sky Sports.
The result dashes any aspirations of a top-six finish in a poor season for the Headingley Stadium club, only a year after reaching the Grand Final.
Here are five key takeaways from the match.
Rhinos’ grim statistics and undesirable records
Following last week’s 50-0 thrashing at home to rivals Wigan, Rohan Smith’s team has now lost 111 unanswered points in their previous two Super League games.
Mitchell Pearce’s slice in the middle and Tom Johnstone’s attempt early in the second half were two examples of dismal tries allowed in Perpignan. The result was also Catalans’ largest victory over Leeds.
The Rhinos needed to win to have a slim chance of making the playoffs. But that’s all over now, and fans will undoubtedly be relieved to see the end of 2023.
Leeds hasn’t been annihilated in consecutive games since 1991. Another unwelcome record.
Catalans fire a warning shot before the playoffs
Following their performance, Steve McNamara’s team issued a warning shot to the other top six clubs.
The French side had lost their last two games, against Hull KR and Wigan respectively, prior to Round 26, but they may be able to regain form in time for the crucial play-offs and with the League Leaders’ Shield still in play.
On points differential, Catalans have surpassed four-time champions St Helens.
Wigan are ‘licking their lips’ over a record-breaking 2024 recruit.
Wigan Warriors have outperformed the opposition in the 2024 player market, having signed Sam Walters and Kruise Leeming.
But Adam Keighran might be the most important and significant signing of all.
Sky Sports’ lead pundit Bill Arthur says the Warriors will be ‘licking their lips’ at the thought of their new signing, who smashed a Catalans record with nine goals from ten on the night, including a hat-trick.
He might take over kicking responsibilities at the DW Stadium, relieving strain on Harry Smith, who has had a standout season with 22 try assists in an ever-present Super League campaign. However, his goal-kicking has come under criticism this year, despite the fact that his home numbers are far better than his away statistics, which may prove critical if Wigan earn a home semi-final game.
Luke Hooley’s self-assurance has been shattered.
Wells stated on commentary that the result and performance had shaken the confidence of Luke Hooley and his teammates.
It wasn’t his finest performance of the night, but that could be said for all 17 players, with Leeds perhaps yet to see his best since joining the club from Batley Bulldogs prior of the 2023 season.
With Richie Myler out injured, Hooley has started the previous five games after making his debut against Hull KR earlier in March.
“I’m not player-bashing, I think he’s a high quality player,” Wells remarked, “but he’s clearly a player lacking in confidence, as are a lot of the players at Leeds Rhinos.”
Harry Newman will not be selected for England.
England coach Shaun Wane reminded Leeds star Harry Newman that he only had two games to improve his discipline before facing Tonga at the end of the year.
However, his yellow card for a dirty shot on rival full-back Sam Tomkins will effectively terminate his career.
The 23-year-old was nominated to Wane’s tentative 40-man England squad in April but did not play against France owing to injury. In recent weeks, his discipline and attitude have eclipsed his ability and potential, and the centre is unlikely to make the 24-man team to play Kristian Woolf’s Tonga.
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