Catalans Dragons 32-36 Leeds Rhinos: Five Major Talking Points

Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com - 30/07/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 21 - Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos - Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France - Sam Kasiano of Catalans Dragons

Wow! Wow! Wow!

I could probably just fill this piece with as many wows as I want and call it a day couldn’t I?

There’s no qualms about it, that is the greatest comeback in Super League, maybe even in rugby league maybe even in sport.

24 points down against a damn good team, a team that’s hard to break down with a quarter of the game to go. Oh and did I mention Leeds were also a man down too after Matt Prior got himself sent off?

It was over until it wasn’t!

A hat-trick from Richie Myler coupled with an innovative Brad Dwyer try and a penalty from Rhyse Martin and it was all square again and the game was headed to golden point and in extra time Aidan Sezer came up with the goods to win it with a try.

But other than the fact this is the greatest comeback I’ve ever heard of, what are the talking points from this game?

Dire Discipline

We’ll get the negatives out of the way. Leeds’ discipline took a backwards step today after recent improvements under Rohan Smith.

Matt Prior was shown two cards, a yellow right after halftime and a red shortly after his re-introduction. On another day that was a game ending moment and maybe even a season ending moment as the Rhinos chase a spot in the play-offs.

Inconsistent Rhinos

Leeds are still a touch inconsistent and showed it today within the contest of a game.

They were poor for the first 60 minutes but amazing for the final 20. So glad to see the Rhinos pull off such a miracle but moving forward it needs to be 80 minute performances against the top teams.

Myler Magic

Richie Myler is to me the most underrated player in Super League. His hat-trick today merely underlines this.

A great leader, he led Leeds by example tonight and guided them out of a massive hole. His support play is also second to none and that’s how he poached his hat trick today.

Should we keep Dwyer?

Brad Dwyer again helped change the game and even got an innovative try for good measure as he collected his own kick to score.

In recent weeks, Dwyer has been a game changer off the bench and has scored three tries in his last three games. It begs the question, should Leeds change their mind and put a new deal on the table?

Rohan Smith’s barmy army

Rohan Smith has changed this team entirely. The Rhinos play exhilarating rugby including the rugby we saw tonight which turned the game on its head.

But he’s also changed the culture of the team. At the start of the season, after such a start Leeds would’ve crumbled and likely lost 52-12 or something rather than snatch the victory.

He has the makings of something special here we just have to back him.

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