In the hail and wind at AMT Headingley, Leeds Rhinos were knocked out of the Betfred Challenge Cup at the round six stage as Rohan Smith’s side went down 20-6 to St Helens.

Leeds’ sole try came from a Harry Newman interception in the first half, but Paul Wellens’ Saints side proved too good as back-to-back tries in the second half guided them through to the quarter-finals.

Team News

Following the defeat to Saints seven days ago, Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith was able to reintroduce outside back Paul Momirovski and Sam Lisone into his matchday squad. Momirovski slotted onto the wing alongside Harry Newman, leaving Rhyse Martin and Ash Handley paired on the opposite side of the field. Lisone came off the bench, as he did against Salford and Hull KR in the opening games of the season.

The rest of the starting squad remained the same as the week before, with the only changes on the bench being Lisone and Luis Roberts, who was a try scorer against the Saints. Mickael Goudemand was named at 18^th man.

Saints came into the clash without half-back Lewis Dodd, so Moses Mbye moved up from the bench to start alongside Jonny Lomax. Curtis Sironen was reintroduced to the pack after being ruled out with injury last week too, whilst Sione Mata’utia stayed at centre after the forward was moved due to Tommy Makinson’s injury last week.

1st Half

From the first minute, Saints were onto Leeds as the two sides resumed battle from a week ago. Alex Walmsley and Morgan Knowles’ rampaging runs came up just short for the visitors in the early minutes, but as the rain started to poor, Leeds got lucky as they held their own line.

With 12 minutes on the clock, the first points of the game came from the boot of Jonny Lomax as he earned a penalty after James Bentley and Harry Newman stripped the half back of the ball. Selecting to go for two, Lomax stepped up to convert and make the score 2-0.

Another two points came as Andy Ackers was pulled up for a dangerous lift on Matty Lees, and Lomax’s boot added another penalty goal.

The continuous hail and cold temperatures were getting to the Rhinos as handling became an issue. The home side were handed a lifeline in the contest though as Harry Newman pounced on a loose pass from Saints to sprint almost the length of the field to score a fantastic solo try. Rhyse Martin’s conversion put the Rhinos ahead by two with 10 minutes left in the half.

The home fans were given a scare as a ball steal on Saints saw Lomax not hesitate to go for a third penalty goal. To their relief, the ball looped wide of the posts, but it was momentary as straight from getting the ball back, Daryl Clark found space to burrow through and push the Red Vee ahead on half time. Lomax added to the conversion to make the score 10-6.

2nd Half

With four points the difference, the teams came back out for the second half into the hale, which had continued throughout the break. Leeds came up with some opportunities early doors as they pinned Saints by their own line for back-to-back sets, but Handley couldn't connect with Croft's kick and Blake reclaimed for Saints.

The turning point of the match came with 20 minutes left on the clock. A promising attack from Newman and Momirovski penned Saints back near their try line, but an incident in back play saw Tom Holroyd and Daryl Clark come together by the South Stand. Both players were sent to the sin bin, but it was Saints that took advantage soon after; Jon Bennison finishing a move off in the corner to extend the lead to ten points.

No more points were scored whilst both teams were down to twelve, but the Rhinos frustratingly came up short with a loose ball or knock-on.

With time against Leeds, Saints sealed their place in the next round when Alex Walmsley crashed over from short range to end the tie. The Rhinos were back on their try line defending hard, but opportunistic play saw Bell’s pass come off Matt Frawley, and as Joe Batchelor patted the ball back again, prop Walmsley was there to beat Handley and Miller to the line. Lomax’s conversion took the score to 20-6.

Leeds held their own until the end as they flung the ball out to both sides of the field in an attempt to stretch the Saints' defence, but to no reward, as time expired.

Next Up

Super League returns for Easter weekend and Leeds Rhinos kick off the action on Thursday night against Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, kick off 8pm.

Tickets are available for fans to buy now online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 or in person at Leeds Rhinos Club Shop.

(Please always check opening hours before travelling Opening Hours)

Match Facts

Leeds Rhinos

1. Lachlan Miller, 4. Paul Momirovski, 3 Harry Newman, 12. Rhyse Martin, 5. Ash Handley, 6. Brodie Croft, 7. Matt Frawley, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Andy Ackers, 17. Justin Sangare, 11. James Bentley, 16. James McDonnell, 13. Cameron Smith

Subs: 10. Tom Holroyd, 15. Sam Lisone, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 24. Luis Roberts  (18^th Man: 18. Mickael Goudemand)

Tries: Newman (27)

Goals: Martin 1/1

Sin Bin: Holroyd (57) - fighting

St Helens

1. Jack Welsby, 5. Jonathan Bennison, 23. Konrad Hurrell, 11. Sione Mata’utia, 3. Waqa Blake, 6. Jonny Lomax, 14. Moses Mbye, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 19. Matt Whitley, 16. Curtis Sironen, 13. Morgan Knowles

Subs: 12. Joe Batchelor, 15. James Bell, 18. Jake Wingfield, 20. George Delaney  (18^th Man – 21. Ben Davies)

Tries: Clark (39), Bennison (61), Walmsley (69)

Goals: Lomax 5/5

Sin Bin: Clark (57) - fighting