Leeds v Kiwis

[JasonE]

We didn't get to see the game in Australia and had to rely on twitter updates. For anyone who watched the game, what were your thoughts on Ashton Golding ?

I watched him play against the Australian Schoolboys last December where he was named player of the series and he looked a rare talent, even the Aussie coaching staff were blown away by his quality.

Also would like to hear thoughts on Jordan Lilley against the Kiwis, another 18yo playing in a key position.

 

[Harrigan]

It's a shame you didn't get to watch. The young Leeds guys really stood up last night! Golding was brilliant. He stopped RTS dead in his tracks on 2 or 3 occasions one on one and even took Jessie Bromwich down one on one too when he's made a break! Took everything that was thrown at him, made a couple of long breaks and if anyone was there for the first time, they wouldn't think he was Leeds back up full back.


Jordan Lilley was my Leeds man of the match though! He controlled everything! He didn't look out of depth at 7 at all. He choice of passing was superb, his kicking game was good and he even nailed a goal kick from the touch line! Again, you wouldn't think it was his first start at half!

On that showing tonight, Leeds future is looking good! With Sutcliffe and Lilley, Leeds truly have 2 great prospects at 6 & 7

 

[The Clan]

Leeds were the better side in the first half and but for a lack of composure could have posted another 3 or 4 tries. The Kiwis were very susceptible to a short passing game straight through the middle channel and Leeds 'off the cuff style' mixed with periods of structured 'lead and out the back' had the NZ defence guessing.

Isaac Luke made a visible step up in the second half and created a lot yards for himself and those around him, Bromwich also showed he's a cut above with some great drives and late lines allowing him to make a number of busts.

Ash Golding was the man of the match for me but young Lilley was also outstanding.
It was great to see Ali Lauitiiti play for Leeds against the Touring Kiwis and his performance showed he was there on merit with his countrymen struggling 3 on 1 to contain him at times, class is permanent and Ali is all class!

Nice touch after the game when in front of a stadium still packed to the rafters the Kiwis accompanied by Kylie Leuleuai and Lauitiiti performed a full blooded Haka.

Leeds didn't deserve to lose by so many but New Zealand took their chances late on when they had the ascendency whereas Leeds didn't when they were on top early on.

20,500 passionate Rugby League fans created an amazing atmosphere which started an hour before the game and didn't dissipate until the pitch had emptied long after the final whistle.

A great taster for the full Test series against England and I'm sure the Kiwis enjoyed the superb atmosphere created by this occasion.

 

[JasonE]

Thanks for the replies, nice work.

 

[roughyedspud]

How do you rate golding against latrell mitchell pal?

 

[JasonE]

How do you rate golding against latrell mitchell pal?

Good question and very hard to answer because they are such different players. Latrell is big, strong and gifted, the closest thing you will ever see to Greg Inglis. He has a massive future and can be anything.

Golding is a smaller stature, he is an ex halfback. He is very skilful, great speed and very courageous.
If he isn't going to play regular SL next year behind Hardaker then I would love to see him play a full season of Holden Cup.