It was a pulsating finish to Super League’s record-breaking Rivals Round as Leeds produced a second half comeback to beat Huddersfield 18-17 at Headingley.
It was the perfect start for Huddersfield, who scored two tries in the first seven minutes through Jermaine McGillvary and Chris McQueen.
The Rhinos were dealt a blow when full-back Richie Myler was sin-binned in the 14th minute for a high tackle on McGillvary.
Leeds came back in to the game towards the end of the first half, pulling one back through Ash Handley.
Jake Connor added a drop goal for Huddersfield on the verge of the half-time hooter sounding, sending the Giants in to the changing rooms 13-4 ahead.
Advantage Giants at Headingley after first half
Whatever Leeds coach Rohan Smith said in the sheds at half-time certainly worked. They scored quickly after the second half restart through Ireland international James McDonnell, but Rhyse Martin again couldn’t convert.
Papua New Guinea international Martin pulled another one back for the Rhinos in the 54th minute. The kicking duties went to Aidan Sezer, but the half-back couldn’t add it, meaning the Rhinos had failed to slot three goals by that point. They were 13-12 behind.
Leeds took the lead for the first time in the game on the hour mark when Cameron Smith capitalised on Huddersfield failing to deal with a high kick. This time Martin converted, putting his side in an 18-13 advantage.
The Giants hit back with a try of their own though. McQueen grabbed his second of the night but Connor couldn’t convert, meaning Leeds led 18-17 with 12 minutes remaining.
It was a grandstand finish at Headingley with pulses racing, but the Rhinos managed to hang on for an 18-17 victory to wrap up Rivals Round in style.
Leeds: Myler; Macdonald, Newman, Martin, Handley; Austin, Sezer; Oledzki, O’Connor, Holroyd, Bentley, McDonnell, Smith. Subs: Tetevano, Sangare, Lisone, Johnson. 18th man: Tindall.
Tries: Handley, McDonnell, Martin, Smith Goals: Martin 1
Huddersfield: Pryce; McGillvary, Marsters, Naiqama, Halsall; Connor, Lolohea; Hill, Peats, English, McQueen, Livett, Yates. Subs: O’Brien, Ikahihifo, Rushton, Ashworth. 18th man: Cudjoe.
Tries: McGillvary, McQueen (2) Goals: Connor 2
Attendance: 13,234
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