Danny McGuire scored his 100th Leeds try as the Rhinos inflicted Castleford's third defeat in a week.

McGuire has scored in every game he has played against the Tigers and he maintained that remarkable record with a superb solo effort midway through the second half.

The dazzling 23-year-old, back to his best after last season was blighted by injury problems, raced over after collecting his own chip kick to leave the visitors floundering.

It was his 15th try of the season and he looks a strong bet to finish the year as engage Super League's top try-scorer.

Former Leeds prop Danny Ward, making his first return to Headingley since being sacked in January, had to endure a miserable night.

The 25-year-old was a Grand Final winner in 2004 but is now battling to beat the drop with lowly Castleford.

And his ex-team-mates showed no mercy, racking up nine tries in a comprehensive win.

Matt Diskin and Keith Senior both crossed twice while Australian star Mark O'Neill finally made his Leeds debut after recovering from a shoulder injury picked up in pre-season.

The Tigers raced into a shock lead early on when full-back Michael Platt crossed from Ryan McGoldrick's well-timed pass.

But Leeds responded quickly when Gareth Ellis crashed over for his fourth try in five games and then Senior stormed through to put Leeds in front midway through the first half.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Richard Fa'aoso were dispatched to the sin-bin by referee Ronnie Laughton following an ugly flare-up during a first half in which Laughton awarded 14 penalties.

But Leeds kept their composure and extended their lead when Jamie Peacock barged over despite the attentions of three attempted tacklers.

Diskin's second-half double, alongside further efforts from Senior, Scott Donald and Ashley Gibson wrapped up the win.