Late Leeds surge sinks Wakefield in Super League top-two thriller
Leeds Rhinos scored a dramatic late try and match-winning kick to beat league leaders Wakefield Trinity 24-22, moving four points clear at the top of Super League.
A sold-out crowd at DIY Kitchens Stadium witnessed a Super League classic as Leeds Rhinos came from well behind to beat table-topping Wakefield Trinity in a match many felt was worthy of a Grand Final.
Wakefield raced into a commanding 16-0 lead in the first half, scoring three tries all converted by Jack Sinfield, and extended their advantage further after the break. However, as errors crept into their game, Leeds began chipping away at the deficit.
A standout second-half performance from replacement Cam Smith, who is set to join Wakefield next season, helped fuel the comeback. With three minutes remaining, a kick from Jake Connor teed up a try for Chris Hankinson to level the scores. Connor then held his nerve, landing a difficult conversion from the touchline to hand Leeds a dramatic 24-22 victory.
The win represents a significant step for Leeds towards securing a top-two finish in the regular season. With five games left to play, the Rhinos now lead Wakefield by four points and hold a substantial points-difference advantage over both Wakefield and third-placed Wigan Warriors.
Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell said he was disappointed with the outcome, pointing to too many errors and penalties conceded in the second half, though he expressed confidence his side could learn from the experience ahead of the season's business end.
Leeds boss Brad Arthur described the match as tough and gritty, saying it was the first time in a long while his side had been properly tested. He praised his players, including several younger squad members, for showing composure and character under sustained pressure.
