Leeds Rhinos Secure Ninth Try-Filled Victory Over Bradford Bulls
Leeds Rhinos delivered an emphatic performance against Bradford Bulls, scoring nine tries to claim their 11th win in 12 Super League matches and extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.
Ash Handley was the standout player, completing a hat-trick and reaching a milestone of 150 career tries. Other try-scorers for Leeds included Brodie Croft, Chris Hankinson, Jarrod O'Connor, James McDonnell, Jake Connor, and Maiko Sivo. Connor also contributed seven successful goal kicks.
Bradford Bulls Show Early Fight but Fall Short
Bradford Bulls, despite a spirited effort, were unable to keep pace with Leeds. Ethan Ryan scored twice in quick succession early in the second half, marking his 100th try for the Bulls. Luke Hooley added two goals for Bradford.
Despite these moments, Leeds dominated the match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with coach Brad Arthur's team reaching 100 Super League tries for the season, bolstering their bid for a fourth League Leaders Shield.
Match Progression and Key Moments
Leeds appeared somewhat subdued until the ninth minute when O'Connor executed a precise kick through the defense, allowing Croft to score the opening try. The Rhinos replicated this tactic on the 20-minute mark, with Connor kicking through for Hankinson to cross the line.
Leeds, who lost Ryan Hall to a foot injury during the game, increased their intensity. O'Connor transitioned from assisting to scoring himself with a dummy and extended arm to touch down in the 26th minute.
Bradford responded five minutes later when Aekins skillfully maneuvered to score. However, Leeds quickly regained control, with Croft breaking through Bradford's defense and passing to McDonnell for the fourth try at 34 minutes.
Handley demonstrated significant power to score his 150th career try three minutes later. He then added a second try early in the second half, capitalizing on a reverse pass from Kallum Watkins.
Bradford's Brief Resurgence
Bradford continued to fight back, with Chris Atkin setting up Ryan for a try under the posts on the 52nd minute, converted by Hooley. Ryan then marked his 100th try for Bradford with a 60-metre run to score in the left corner two minutes later, narrowing the score to 34-16.
Despite this brief resurgence, Leeds maintained control. Handley assisted Connor's seventh try on the 61st minute, then set up Maiko Sivo for his 28th try of the season. Handley secured his hat-trick in the final minute with a try from Connor's kick, marking his eighth hat-trick for Leeds.
Team Line-Ups
Leeds Rhinos: Miller; Hall, Newman, Handley (c), Sivo; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O'Connor, Palasia, Hankinson, McDonnell, Jenkins.
Interchanges: Holroyd, Watkins, Smith, Levi, Cassell.
Bradford Bulls: Aekins; Wynne, Armitage, Blake, Ryan; Nikorima, Atkin; Sutton, Ackers, Doro, Ruan, Peposhi, Mellor (c).
Interchanges: Souter, Ormondroyd, Scurr, Hooley, Leake.
