George Brown scored two tries on his debut as Leeds Rhinos saw off a fierce challenge from Widnes Vikings to win 25-12 at the DCBL Stadium.
The 18-year-old full-back was handed his bow after impressing in pre-season and took just seven minutes to get on the scoresheet, with Kallum Watkins converting, although winger Mike Butt’s try and a Jordan Abdull two-pointer levelled it up.
Leeds looked like easing away with the tie, as Watkins kicked a penalty and another debutant, former Canberra Raiders hooker Danny Levi, added another try, before Brown’s second had the Super League club 18-6 up at half-time.
Vikings hit back as Joe Lyons sent Butt over for his second try, but Riley Lumb’s brilliant solo try, Watkins’ conversion, and Brodie Croft’s drop-goal made sure Rhinos would be in the hat.
Castleford Tigers eased into the draw for the fourth round with a 14-0 victory at Championship side Doncaster.
The Super League side were held in a tight first quarter, but Joe Stimson made the breakthrough and Tom Weaver’s conversion had them ahead at the interval.
Doncaster survived the sin-binning of Titus Gwaze for interference at the play-the-ball, but Tigers full-back Blake Taaffe added another try, and with Weaver kicking the extras and a penalty, they coasted to the finish line with no real alarm.
More to follow.
