Leeds Rhinos have high hopes for rugby union convert Oscar Brown and he showed why with a moment of magic during a 26-10 defeat at Castleford Tigers in Brad Singleton’s testimonial game at Castleford.

Brown was a forward when he joined Leeds two years ago from Harrogate Rugby Union Club, but has developed into a free-scoring centre at academy and reserve level. He scored the try of the game, early in the second half when - from long-range and nothing seemingly on - a high-striding run took him from the left-flank through the middle of the field for an absolute belter.

Both sides were reserve strength, but Cas had more first team experience and that told as they hit back from 4-0 down to lead 12-4 at the break, then had late purple patch to make the result safe, though the margin flattered them a little. Rhinos reserves coach Chev Walker reflected: “The boys are disappointed, but they look too far into results, not where they are at on their journey. It is about their development and it was a good experience for them. I am pleased with their attitudes towards it.”

Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos players for a guard of honour for Brad Singleton ahead of his testimonial game at OneBore Stadium on Sunday. Picture by Steve Riding.

Right-wing Tom Richardson got over at the corner from stand-off Dylan Hutchinson’s long ball as Leeds made a strong start, but they missed some opportunities after that, with Tom Nicholson-Watton, playing at loose-forward, twice being pulled back off forward passes, from second-row Ben Littlewood and hooker Joe Diskin.

Tigers’ tempo rose when big forward Akim Matvejev came off the bench early in the second quarter and the hosts hit the front when, in their first serious attack, stand-off Corey Sharp sent second-rower Sam Grice powering over.

Fletcher Rooney, the full-back whose error had contributed to Leeds’ try, added the extras and converted again when half-back Jenson Windley supported centre Louis Senior’s electric break, past winger Marcus Qareqare, from deep inside Tigers’ territory.

Brown’s remarkable touchdown, converted by Harley Thomas, got Leeds back in the game and they had more of the pressure as the contest got scrappy amid a host of changes. Castleford’s defence, though, was in mean mood and they held firm before sealing the win with three late tries.

Leeds Rhinos Oliver Smart is tackled by Alfie Salmon (12) and Jenson Windley on Castleford Tigers. Picture by Steve Riding.

Nice hands carved out an opening for left-wing Taylor Sharpe with 13 minutes left, the hosts added another soon afterwards through Sean Coughlan and then Mitch Beedle touched down from a smart kick by fellow replacement Harrison Jewitt. Rooney added another conversion, though Singleton failed with a touchline effort.

Tigers were coached by assistant-boss Scott Murrell. He said: “We spoke before the game about trying to put out there what we’ve been doing in pre-season. We’ve got a new head-coach and to see those young kids do what we’ve practiced was outstanding.”

Castleford Tigers: Rooney, ⁠Sarbah, ⁠Senior, ⁠Lindsay ⁠T Sharpe, ⁠ C Sharpe, Windley, Singleton, ⁠Doolan, Beckett, ⁠Grice, ⁠Salmon, ⁠Hill. Subs Horwell, Egley, ⁠Matvejev, ⁠Jewitt, ⁠Walker, ⁠Beedle, ⁠Coughlan.

Leeds Rhinos: Thomas, Richardson, Hardy, O Brown, Qareqare, Hutchinson, H Smith, Stead, Diskin, Mata’utia, Littlewood, Smart, Nicholson-Watton. Subs Fox, Butterfield, Tinkler, Jones-Buchanan, Butterworth, R Smith, White, Tooala, Hetherington.

Referee: Tom Grant (Leeds).