Leeds 18-14 Huddersfield: Rhinos strengthen spot in play-offs
Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
A late try from Blake Austin in dramatic circumstances sealed an 18-14 win for Leeds over Huddersfield to boost the Rhinos’ hopes of making the play-offs.
Leeds opened the scoring inside just three minutes as Rhyse Martin scored following a big break from winger David Fusitu’a. Papua New Guinea international Martin converted his own try.
Former Samoa centre Ricky Leutele pulled one back for Huddersfield in the 16th minute as he powered his way over the line.
The Rhinos were dealt a blow on the half hour mark as Blake Austin was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge.
Ian Watson’s side capitalised on having the extra man on the field when they shipped the ball wide to Ireland World Cup hopeful Louis Senior who touched down in the corner. Olly Russell couldn’t convert but they were 8-6 to the good at half-time.
HT: Leeds Rhinos 6-8 Huddersfield Giants
Leeds came out firing in the second half and regained the lead thanks to Ireland World Cup hopeful Richie Myler, with Martin converting.
But the score was level on the hour after veteran centre Leroy Cudjoe went over for the Giants. Russell missed his fourth kick from as many attempts.
Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer was sin-binned for a shoulder charge on Theo Fages in the build-up to Cudjoe’s try. Frenchman Fages didn’t return after failing a HIA.
Russell successfully added a penalty goal in the 72nd minute to edge the Giants into a 14-12 lead.
Huddersfield went down to 12 men in the 76th minute. Chris Hill was sent to the sin bin for what was deemed as a dangerous tackle on Myler.
Leeds snatched the win from Huddersfield’s grasp with three minutes left as Blake Austin raced over just moments after Hill was marched.
Frustration kicked in for the Giants towards the end of the game, with Joe Greenwood being shown a yellow card for a tip tackle.
FT: Leeds Rhinos 18-14 Huddersfield Giants
Leeds: Myler; Fusitu’a, Hardaker, Sutcliffe, Handley; Austin, Sezer; Oledzki, Dwyer, Tetevano, Gannon, Martin, Bentley. Subs: Leeming, Prior, Briscoe, O’Connor.
Tries: Martin, Myler, Austin Goals: Martin 3
Huddersfield: Lolohea; Cudjoe, King, Leutele, L Senior; Russell, Fages; Hill, Levi, Wilson, Hewitt, McQueen, Yates. Subs: English, Greenwood, Trout, O’Brien.
Tries: Leutele, L Senior, Cudjoe Goals: Russell 1
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