I'm hearing Castleford made 18 errors according to the stats, many IIRC were unforced errors - I'd describe that as them underperforming. Leeds were very good in these Play-Offs, would still have been hard to beat had CAS turned up.

Honestly, I don't get the idea of unforced errors ... This is RL not tennis, there's always some 80kg+ bloke or three hurtling towards you and a lot of Cas errors came when they were already behind and under pressure from the score/clock

There biggest unforced errors was not taking the two!

In this context unforced may not be the correct term but untypical might better describe Castleford's losing the ball so readily in contact, passes going to ground or in to touch, fumbles at the play the ball etc.

DHM is bang on. The whole point of a forum is to have opinions. The win was brilliant and his record is exceptional. That will not stop me having a dig in the future if I feel that way inclined if we're playing badly in the future, and nor should it. At least one myth has been laid to rest - that we only won previously because Sinfield and/or Peacock were the real coaches.

For whatever reason we seem to be blessed (?) with coaches who polarise views - IMO Tony Smith never got enough credit, DP and Bluey too much and BM seems to be either loved or hated in equal measure.

It does beg the question as to how 2016 was allowed to happen - perfect storm or calamitous management?

The ethos/culture at the club has delivered spectacular results but the results shouldn't mask over its short comings.

Saturday night was a triumph for the club for which all deserve much praise.

Saturday night answered that question. The only reason anyone would still ask is because they put all their eggs in the latter basket.

I need to watch the game again, if I can bring myself to do it. It's always a bit different sober & not from behind the sticks. But Leeds made numerous errors, particularly in the first half, something like 4 in a row on the first tackle. Cas just weren't good enough to exploit it. I'm struggling to think of a period when I thought Cas looked particularly threatening. Whereas Leeds looked dangerous each time they got near our line.

Word of caution to the Cas fans putting a positive spin on the final by saying this season has set things up nicely for winning big next year.

As I see it, the 3 big Lancashire teams will be stronger next year, Leeds and Hull will be just as strong as this year. Opponents will be wise to the Cas style of play and they will return to their usual place of a team vying for a play-off place with the likes of Wakey and Catalans.

Cas have blown their golden opportunity to win the big prize, like Warrington have a couple of times.

And crucially they need a new starting FB, not going to be easy at this time of year to get a good one.

Ah okay , I'll not bother watching then.

Cas threatened only once when they were still in the game and that was when Eden lost the ball going over the line. The rest of the time they were being bullied up the middle and suffocated out wide.

Jy Hitchcox also had a try ruled out . Plus Webster fell just short of the line first few mins. I was pretty disappointed with the first half, the second half was even worse !

the one where he didnt celebrate? not sure he ever grounded it tbh

Not sure I've seen it mentioned anywhere, but I must give credit to James Child for his performance. I am one of his biggest critics, and my thoughts on his appointment have been discussed, but I thought he did a really good job on Saturday. He let the game flow, kept himself out of the picture and was I thought very consistent, which is usually the area he struggles IMO. I think Cas can probably feel a little hard done by on some of the dropped ball, there were a few that appeared to be strips, or certainly excessive pressure on the ball, which on another day could have been penalties, but then the same could be said for some of the Leeds dropped ball - and I actually think he got them all right, because my personal view is that the ball carrier should take more responsibility for keeping hold of it, only blatant reefing at the ball should be a penalty in my opinion.

So.... to sum it up, well done James Child - stepped up to the occasion and was on the top of his game.

And the try chalked off for obstruction. I agree thats how it felt though in general, leeds always in control.That said, it can't ever be overlooked how much not having Hardaker affected Cas. Would he have been in position to deny Leeds the opener? Possibly.would he have dealt with the kick that lead to McGuire first try? More than likely. And probably the second too. Add to that the attacking threat he brings too it adds at least a score or two when Cas are in good field position.

Agreed.

But TBH when I watch as a neutral he's certainly nowhere near as bad as some people make out. Think some get hysterical about him.

Thought he did well but went a bit overboard trying not to blow up for penalties. It's better than him giving a penalty fest granted but Leeds only got 1 penalty all game and that was for the obstruction no try. Thought there was a stone cold penalty on Walker for a second effort in the set leading to Briscoe's 2nd try, ended up better for us in the end but still doesn't make the call right.

Apart from the knock ons it wasn't too difficult a game to ref but the frustrating thing about him in the past it that in a normal league game he'd have probably found an extra 10-12 penalties. I heard someone at the game complaining about the number of times he went for the VR but they where scores that really did need checking.

Pah! If it wasn't for Child Cas would have won. I'm surprised no-one has mentioned he is from Wakey & works in Leeds.

Child is never consistent with his decisions. For e.g he pinged Singleton early for being laid down in the ptb yet in the next 3 sets Cas did the same twice!

The only area where Cas beat Leeds was in the penalty count & they couldn't make that pay.
I thought Child had an excellent game as he had in the semi too.
That was 9/10 that the Rhinos have won this year with him in charge.

I was surprised that so many Cas fans left almost on the final hooter. I know that lots of them are Leeds United fans, and I thought they'd relish the chance to join us in singing 'Marching On Together' at Old Trafford......

Not to worry, that myth can now be replaced by Leeds unable to win a big game without McGuire/Burrow.

I have absolutely no doubt something along those lines will be trotted out by the usual suspects when we have an inevitable wobble next year.

Even better a good round of YORKSHIRE YORKSHIRE YORKSHIRE would have been better from 60,000 yorkies .

well the Leeds United supporting Cas Tigers fans will have to suffer the SL trophy being Paraded round ER on Saturday .Serves them right for leaving OT early