Leeds' defeat at Catalans heralds worst Super League finish since 1996

Leeds seem certain to finish outside the top five for the first time since 1996, after their third consecutive defeat, against the revitalised Catalans Dragons in Perpignan. The Dragons celebrated the opening of a new stand at the Stade Gilbert Brutus with a commanding 38-18 victory that consolidates their position in the top five and leaves them six points clear of a Rhinos team who are eighth. St Helens remain fourth after crushing Wakefield 46-6 at Belle Vue, where Kyle Eastmond relished a rare chance at full-back, scoring two tries. But the Crusaders suffered a seventh consecutive defeat, 38-10 at home to Hull KR on Saturday, and have almost certainly lost Gareth Thomas for the rest of the season with a broken left arm.