Leeds go two points clear after win over Bradford

Leeds Rhinos moved two points clear at the top of Super League with a comfortable win over Bradford Bulls at Headingley, despite losing Maika Sivo to a suspected broken arm.

Leeds Rhinos went two points clear at the top of the Super League standings after a comfortable victory over Yorkshire rivals Bradford Bulls at Headingley. James McDonnell scored twice on his 100th Super League appearance for the Rhinos, who responded strongly after last Sunday’s defeat to Castleford Tigers.

The Rhinos scored seven tries in total, but they were hit in the first half when league top try scorer Maika Sivo had to be substituted with a suspected broken arm. Bradford, who briefly led through Guy Armitage’s try, slipped to a sixth defeat in seven Super League matches.

How did Leeds build their victory?

Leeds were clinical throughout and finished with seven tries, with McDonnell’s double setting the tone. The Rhinos also had scores from O'Connor, Holroyd, Croft, Jenkins and Watkins, while Connor added seven goals.

James McDonnell, who is set to depart for Perth Bears at the end of the season, was among the standout performers as Leeds backed up their earlier setback with a convincing home win.

What happened to Bradford?

Bradford started well and took the lead through Guy Armitage, but they could not sustain the pressure and were overpowered for long periods by the league leaders. Their only other try came from Ryan, with Hooley adding two goals.

Who were the teams?

Leeds: Miller; Edgell, Newman, Bird, Sivo; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O'Connor, Jenkins, Littlewood, McDonnell, Watkins. Interchanges: C. Smith, Nicholson-Watton, Cassell, Holroyd.

Bradford: Aekins; Wynne, Armitage, Hooley, Ryan; Nikorima, Atkin; Sutton, Ackers, Ormondroyd, Steinwede, Fulton, Mellor. Interchanges: Dean, Gardiner, Scurr, Peposhi.

Tries: McDonnell 2, O'Connor, Holroyd, Croft, Jenkins, Watkins Goals: Connor 7

Tries: Armitage, Ryan Goals: Hooley 2

Key Facts