Leeds Rhinos: Smith ruling sparks a bit of a storm Down Under

MELBOURNE STORM captain Cameron Smith has been warned for elbowing his opposite number, Leeds Rhinos hooker Matt Parcell, in last week's Downer World Club Challenge.
Leeds Rhinos hooker, Matt Parcell. PIC: Brendon Ratnayake/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZLeeds Rhinos hooker, Matt Parcell. PIC: Brendon Ratnayake/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ
Leeds Rhinos hooker, Matt Parcell. PIC: Brendon Ratnayake/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ

Smith reacted angrily to a tackle by Parcell early in the second half of Storm’s 38-4 win.

The match officials took no action against the Storm No9, but Parcell was penalised for the initial incident, leading to a try for the NRL champions. Lack of action from the match referees and the NRL’s decision not to take the matter further has led to claims Down Under that Smith, who is also captain of Australia and Queensland, receives favourable treatment.

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Meanwhile, his namesake was among the try scorers as Rhinos under-19s began their season with a 14-10 win at Widnes Vikings.

Melbourne Storm hooker, Cameron Smith. PIC: Simon Cooper/PA WireMelbourne Storm hooker, Cameron Smith. PIC: Simon Cooper/PA Wire
Melbourne Storm hooker, Cameron Smith. PIC: Simon Cooper/PA Wire

Ben Markland’s early try gave Leeds a 4-0 lead at the interval.

Jack Broadbent powered over to double the visitors’ advantage before Widnes pulled back an unconverted try.

Smith scored a fine individual try and Harvey Spence added the extras, but Widnes scored a consolation six-pointer in the final moments.

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Full-back Iwan Stephens bagged a brace for Rhinos and centre TJ Barton was Leeds’ other try scorer when the under-16s kicked off with a 12-4 victory at Castleford Tigers, whose try scorer was second-rower Louis Collinson.