Andy Last admitted he hoped his chances of landing the Castleford job on a full-time basis had been boosted after guiding the Tigers to their first win of a season at the fifth attempt against an under-par Leeds. This latest defeat continued their inconsistent start to their season, on a night when it was confirmed their hooker, Kruise Leeming, has requested a release from the Rhinos.
Two tries from Bureta Faraimo were enough to see off a lacklustre Leeds in difficult conditions in West Yorkshire, giving Last’s chances of succeeding Lee Radford, who was sacked three games into the season, on a permanent basis a major boost. Trailing 8-6 at half-time, Faraimo’s second try and two goals from Gareth Widdop were enough to see off the Rhinos.
Last has made no secret for his desire to take the job full-time, and admitted afterwards: “I really want it. I think the team showed how much they wanted me to get a win on the board. I’m experienced as an assistant and I’m desperate for this job because I care about this club.”
His side broke the deadlock when some fine handling involving Jacob Miller and Greg Eden freed Faraimo to cross in the corner. Leeds hit back when Richie Myler finished a fine team move before a penalty from Rhyse Martin made it 8-6, but that was where the Rhinos’ scoring ended for the night.
Huddersfield 14-16 Wigan
Two Bevan French tries helped Wigan to a narrow win over Huddersfield in an error-strewn affair at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The hosts dominated territory for much of the game but struggled to create chances, with Kevin Naiqama getting their only try after a rare Liam Marshall error just after the interval. Wigan had forged ahead at half-time with clinical scores from French [pictured] and Jake Wardle.
After Naiqama had put the Giants ahead, Wardle then tipped a Harry Smith kick into French's path to restore the Warriors' lead. Four penalties from Olly Russell kept Huddersfield in sight, but they could not find a second try and have lost two of their first four games.
St Helens 20-12 Hull
Jon Bennison's double helped St Helens dig deep for their first win in three games. Ben Davies and Jack Welsby also went over for Saints, while stand-in goalkicker Joey Lussick added two goals from three attempts.
Hull produced an improved defensive display and took a 6-4 lead early in the second half thanks to a converted try by Scott Taylor but were overrun by their opponents, only sparking faint hopes of a late fightback with a Jake Clifford score.
Warrington 38-20 Leigh
Matty Ashton claimed a nine-minute hat-trick as Warrington extended their perfect start to the season and brought promoted Leigh back to earth. Wire led 38-8 at one stage with their captain, Stefan Ratchford, scoring 14 points with a try and five goals
The hosts' other tries came from Matt Dufty, Paul Vaughan and Josh Drinkwater. Leigh saw Edwin Ipape sin-binned and scored through Josh Charnley and Tom Briscoe before late consolations from Tom Amone and Zak Hardaker
Afterwards, it emerged that Leeming, who captained them in last year’s Grand Final, has requested a release, with it possible he could head to Australia. The Guardian understands Leeming has suitors in the NRL. His coach, Rohan Smith, said: “He requested a release and he’s been given the opportunity to seek one. I found out earlier this week.”
His side struggled here all evening, and now have two wins from their opening five games of the season. They fell behind again here on the hour mark when a crisp move from the scrum sent Faraimo across for his second, with Widdop converting to make it 12-8.
Widdop then added a penalty to open up a six-point buffer which, given the dismal conditions, always felt as though it could be significant. Leeds had their chances in the final minutes to force extra time but couldn’t make any of them stick, and the reaction from Last and the Castleford players at full time underlined how important a victory this could prove to be in their season.
