The Red Devils endured a tough outing on their return to action in the Betfred Super League.
The match started in the worst possible manner for Salford, losing top try-scorer Ken Sio to a knee injury suffered in only the seventh minute.
Leeds were quick to capitalise on the Red Devils’ need to reshuffle with Ash Handley, Richie Myler and Luke Gale all crossing to establish a 16-0 lead within the first 20 minutes.
The Red Devils looked to hit-back in the 27th minute, with Chris Atkin diving in at the corner, but the video referee ruled in favour of the Rhinos.
Momentum then swung back towards Leeds, with Myler and Handley both claiming their second tries to conclude an impressive half for the West Yorkshire outfit.
Halftime: Leeds Rhinos 26 Salford Red Devils 0
Salford came out stronger in the second-half and Niall Evalds was able to claim two tries within the space of five minutes. The first came after chasing down his own kick and the second after latching onto one which Kevin Brown had put in behind.
The Red Devils’ injury woes worsened however, with Josh Johnson, Chris Atkin and Ryan Lannon all being forced from the field.
Leeds capitalised with Rob Lui going over after Elliot Kear had made a try-saving tackle on the previous play, then Mikolaj Oledzki charged in to seal the result.
Handley and Myler then both sealed their hat-tricks in the final five minutes, to increase the scoreline.
The Red Devils now have a quick turnaround before facing Castleford at 2:30pm on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.
Fulltime: Leeds Rhinos 50 Salford Red Devils 12
Salford Red Devils: Evalds, Sio, Welham, Kear, Williams, Lolohea, Brown, Ikahihifo, Lussick, Dudson, Lannon, McCarthy, Yates, Pauli, Atkin, Flanagan, Johnson.
Leeds: Myler, Briscoe, Newman, L Sutcliffe, Handley, Lui, Gale, Seumanufagai, Leeming, Prior, Martin, Oledzki, Thompson, Dwyer, Cuthbertson, A Sutcliffe, Holroyd.
Salford Tries: Evalds (2) Salford Goals: Lolohea (2/2)
Leeds Tries: Handley (3), Myler (3), Gale, Lui, Oledzki Leeds Goals: Martin (7/9)
Referee:L. Moore
Image Credit: Steve McCormick
