Brodie Croft scored a hat-trick as Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos restored their four-point advantage at the summit with a 28-6 victory over Catalans Dragons at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. The half-back's three tries took his season tally to 20, while Harry Newman and Lachlan Miller also crossed to give Leeds a 16-0 half-time lead in Perpignan.

Newman opened the scoring by chasing a wicked Jake Connor grubber, marking Leeds' first points at the venue in nearly four years. Croft then intercepted a loose pass and raced 70 metres before linking with Miller for the third try. Catalans squandered a gilt-edged chance when Toby Sexton fumbled an offload to Leo Darrelatour near the line.

The second half brought repeated melees as the hosts tried to rattle Leeds, but Croft twice sliced through the defence to complete his treble. Maika Sivo entered the match chasing a Super League record for tries in consecutive games but was starved of opportunities, his streak ending at 10 matches. Ugo Tison crashed over in the final seconds for a Catalans consolation.

The defeat leaves Catalans eighth, six points adrift of the play-off places after a third straight loss. Coach John Cartwright praised his side's physical improvement following last week's 60-18 thrashing by Toulouse, while Brad Arthur lauded Leeds' composure under provocation. Leeds have now won 12 of their last 13 games dating to late March.