Rohan Smith hailed Lachlan Miller’s “huge” display as Leeds got back to winning ways.
The Aussie full-back turned in a defensive masterclass to keep the game scoreless at the break. And then after fellow countryman Paul Momirovski finally opened his Leeds account with two tries, Miller also crossed twice to leave Castleford still seeking a Super League win.
Smith said: “It was an extremely strong defensive performance. The amount of possession Cas had in that first half, they played well. They stretched our edges and were camped in our half but we’re difficult to break down this season. They found that out.
“Our kick defence was great. Lachlan Miller was everywhere the ball was, which is what great full-backs do. He was huge for us. We put our foot down at the start of the second half and we were commanding. Miller’s play selection in attack was running hard and looking to break tackles and he deservedly scored two.
“But his defensive effort in that first half gave us the chance to win this game. We weren’t flustered at half-time. We told them to crack on. And they did.”
Tom Johnstone faced “manic” time settling at Catalans Dragons after horrid 2022
Leeds shrugged off the loss of James Bentley, who failed a HIA, and England centre Harry Newman who suffered a nasty facial gash. It is only the third time in Super League history Castleford have lost their opening six league games. But they will be kicking themselves. They forced five goalline drop-outs as they dominated that first half yet never really looked like scoring.
Miller impressed for Leeds Rhinos (Mark Cosgrove/News Images)And ruthless Leeds made them pay as they bounced back from successive defeats against St Helens. NRL Grand Final winner Momirovski broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after Innes Senior flapped at Brodie Croft’s high kick. And the centre, 27, crossed for his second just 10 minutes later after a fine break from James McDonnell.
Rhyse Martin converted both, added a penalty and then improved Miller’s first try to make it 20-0 in the 65th minute. Josh Simm gave the hosts hope, Danny Richardson converting, but Miller quickly dashed in for his second. Castleford boss Craig Lingard said: “We’re frustrated.
"We were really good in the first half how we controlled the ball and got repeat sets. We just lacked some quality and cutting edge. You have to take your hat off to Leeds. They defended really well. We only made one error in that weather in that first half but we just needed more quality with it.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
