Croft scored a second half hat-trick and Smith also impressed on his return from long-term injury, touching down and booting two goals. Most of Rhinos’ first team squad got some game time and four youngsters had a run off the bench after the break, but a quartet of injuries overshadowed the result. Here’s how the Rhinos players rated.
1. Full-back Lachie Miller (squad number 1)
Failed to find touch with a penalty, took a bad wrong option but involved in a couple of tries 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
2. Wing: Chris Hankinson (no 14)
Not his day, knocked on, lost the ball reaching for the line and went off early with a broken nose 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
3. Centre: Harry Newman (no 3)
Returning from groin surgery and played the first 40; made an important interception in defence, would’ve scored if Miller had passed him the ball 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
4. Centre: Ash Handley (no 4)
Scored two tries on his return from groin surgery and looked sharp, but - worryingly - went off injured after 36 minutes 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
5. Wing: Ryan Hall (no 5)
Some strong carries, but at fault for Bulls’ second try after knocking-on from a kick off and failing to keep his opposite number out 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
6. Stand-off Brodie Croft (no 6)
Scored a genuine - and very well-taken taken - hat-trick to cap a strong game all round 8 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com