Andy Last hailed “phenomenal” Bureta Faraimo as his two tries helped end Castleford’s losing run.
The ex-Hull winger’s brace proved crucial as Tigers finally got off the mark after four straight defeats. And the victory will do wonders for caretaker coach Last’s chances of getting the job permanently. He said: “I thought ‘B’ was sensational. He scored two tries, carried constantly and was great for us. He spoke at the end of the game with the cameras in our face and he gave me a hug.
“He’d put on a goal sheet he wants to be a player to be relied on and he was that tonight. He was exceptional but it was a one to 18 performance especially with George Lawler dropping out in the warm-up and Muizz Mustapha coming in. I’m emotionally drained but so pleased for the group of players who’ve done it tough in the first four games.
They showed how much they want to play for Cas and nearly took the roof off with the team song. Performances like that will help my CV and my application for the job. Hopefully I’m doing enough to convince I can lead this club.”
But the hosts were also thankful ex-Cas winger Derrell Olpherts bombed a glorious 75th minute chance on his first return to Wheldon Road. It was a bad night for Rhinos fans who were stunned before kick-off after reports emerged hooker Kruise Leeming had been granted permission to look for a new club. Leeming, 27, was Leeds skipper last year and had been involved in England’s preparations for the World Cup.
But he missed the cut for that tournament, lost his Leeds starting spot to Jarrod O’Connor and is no longer captain at Headingley. Still, few expected him to be on the move.
The ex-Huddersfield No9 could take the fancy of a number of Super League clubs although it’s understood Leeming may head to the NRL for the rest of 2023 with North Queensland Cowboys favourites to secure his signature.
Gareth Widdop slotted a conversion and two penalties for Castleford. Error-prone Leeds could only muster a single try from Richie Myler and two goals from Rhyse Martin. Boss Rohan Smith blamed “fundamental errors” for his side’s failure to get the win. On the Leeming situation, he said: “He requested a release and he’s been given the opportunity to seek. I found out earlier this week.”
Asked if it was disappointing to lose him so early in the season, Smith - who left Leeming out - added: “I just coach players that are Leeds Rhinos."
On whether there'll be scope to bring anyone else in, he said: "I think Jarrod O’Connor's been doing a terrific job. Corey Johnson is back to full health. James Bentley played there (hooker) as a kid and has done a couple of little shifts there with limited practice. We’ll do our best."
