Rhinos centre Liam Sutcliffe ran in three tries as the visitors were victorious at Stade Gilbert Brutus in the first match of this year’s play-offs; Catalans had Mitchell Pearce sin-binned twice, Michael McIlorum yellow-carded too and Gil Dudson sent off
Last Updated: 09/09/22 10:22pm
A hat-trick of tries from Liam Sutcliffe helped send Leeds Rhinos into the Betfred Super League semi-finals as they won 20-10 against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
Two penalties from Sam Tomkins had put Catalans ahead despite the hosts having Mitchell Pearce sent to the sin-bin for the first occasion, with the Australian also being yellow-carded late on for dissent. However, two converted tries from Liam Sutcliffe saw the Rhinos lead 12-4 at half-time.
Dean Whare’s converted try three minutes into the second half put the Dragons within touching distance, but Leeds took advantage when Michael McIlorum became the second player from the hosts to be sin-binned as Sutcliffe finished for his third try of the night, with the visitors seeing out the match to set up a trip to either St Helens or Wigan Warriors in the semis.
The defeat ensured there would be no repeat of last year’s Grand Final appearance for the French side and it was a disappointing end to Gil Dudson’s time in Perpignan as well before moving to Warrington Wolves as he was shown a red card inside the final five minutes.
More to follow…