Leeds Rhinos: Five things we learned from the World Club Challenge

1: A two-match ban was fair punishment for Mitch Garbutt’s unnecessary punch on James Tumou and subsequent red card, but Tumou was lucky only to be sin-binned after beginning the incident.

2: Half-back Jordan Lilley didn’t look overawed in the best of company. He is learning game on game and could be the find of the season.

3: Rhinos need to be sharper with the ball. They applied pressure in the first half, but Cowboys’ defence was too good.

4: Leeds aren’t lacking effort. The first 40 minutes was the most competitive period of the three World Club Series games.

5: Johnathan Thurston is an exceptional player and also a great ambassador for the game. He was a worthy recipient of the Graham Murray man of the match award and won fans’ hearts by handing his scrum cap and kicking tees to young supporters in the crowd.