Gareth Thomas puts on Hollywood show for Mickey Rourke
Gareth Thomas helped Iestyn Harris make a perfect start as a Super League coach as the Millennium Magic was sprinkled with a little Hollywood stardust thanks to Mickey Rourke's presence in Cardiff.
Rourke, who is making a film of Thomas's rugby career and life as a gay man, watched from a hospitality box as the Crusaders scored seven tries against hapless Salford in a 42-12 win.
Star quality: Mickey Rourke talks to Gareth Thomas (right) in the dressing room
Thomas later invited the Oscar-nominated actor into the Crusaders dressing room along with Joe Calzaghe, who had accompanied Rourke to the Millennium Stadium.
Rourke said: 'I'm researching rugby league but I'm doing it a little at a time. I'm not trying to learn something I know nothing about all in one day.
'I'll talk to Gareth, to (former Crusaders and Great Britain coach) Brian Noble, and to the boys that know the game. We're not in a hurry to make the movie because we want to make it in the right way.'
Star power: Gareth Thomas is tackled by Salford City Reds' Chris Nero (front) and Matty Smith
The 58-year-old actor has revealed he will have two of his teeth implants temporarily removed to add some realism to his performance in the lead role.
He added: 'I've got to get my ass in shape. I'm going to be as fit as a fiddle. Why wouldn't I be? I'm not going to disrespect the sport.'
Later, Leeds came from 18 points behind to snatch a dramatic 32-28 victory over Bradford.
The Bulls were dominating until Ben Jones-Bishop, Kylie Leuluai and Rob Burrow crossed in a six-minute burst.
Bradford winger Gareth Raynor then hauled down Jones-Bishop as he chased a loose ball in the 78th minute, with video referee Richard Silverwood awarding a controversial penalty try, which evoked memories of Steve Ganson's central role in the Rhinos' win against the Bulls at the same venue in 2007.
Former Leeds centre Chev Walker also had a try disallowed by Silverwood, leaving new Bradford coach Mick Potter baffled.
In the final match of the day, Hull KR repeated last year's play-off success by beating Hull FC 34-22.
FC raced into a 14-0 lead but Ben Galea (two), Blake Green, Clint Newton and Kris Welham (two) clinched the victory for Rovers.
Rovers coach Justin Morgan said: 'There's an inner belief there from being together for a number of years.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/article-1356621/Gareth-Thomas-puts-Hollywood-Mickey-Rourke.html#ixzz1E5JJBw5b
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