By Charlie O'Brien

Leeds Rhinos’ bid to go fifth in the Super League was halted by a scintillating comeback from table toppers Hull KR. In a superb match which saw both teams finish with twelve men, the lead changed hands either side of half time before a brutal late burst from the Robins broke Rhinos' hearts.

Brad Arthur made two changes to the starting thirteen from last Friday’s 28-6 win over the Huddersfield Giants. Mikolaj Oledzki returned from his one-match ban, replacing Tom Holroyd, with Jack Sinfield coming in for 18th man Matt Frawley at scrum half.

The story of the first quarter was one of player penalties and absorbing pressure for Leeds, after Jack Sinfield was sin binned with just five minutes gone for a shoulder to head impact in the tackle. Two minutes later, Jake Connor was shown the green card after receiving treatment on a finger injury, and Leeds were down to 11. Kallum Watkins was brought on to deputise as a makeshift right centre, with Harry Newman moving over to right wing. 

Hull KR made swift use of their numerical advantage, Jack Broadbent opening the scoring with a try against his former side. Peta Hiku snuck through on the right before being brought down by a desperate tackle from Riley Lumb. It was only a matter of time, however, as Hull exploited the space on Leeds’ makeshift right hand side. A succession of short passes between Tyrone May, Arthur Mourgue and Oliver Gildart eventually saw Hull left wing Jack Broadbent go over the line. The Robins could not hammer home their advantage however, as Mourgue’s kick hit the right post. 

A depleted Leeds looked drained and struggled create any opportunities. High kicks on the last were gobbled up by Hull and loose play saw soft penalties conceded. Their defence however, which Brad Arthur said in the pre-match press conference has been the Rhino’s number one priority this campaign, held strong.

As a result, they were still in touch when the opportunity for an attack arose. Lachie Miller, who marshalled his back line excellently and offered tricky footwork in attack, skipped through the centre before unloading to Jake Connor. What followed was a piece of individual brilliance from the stand off, as he unravelled a perfect diagonal grubber kick to send over Ash Handley in the far left corner. Miller may have been the player of the half for Leeds, but he missed a tough chance to convert from wide and left the scores level at four apiece. On the thirty minute mark, a knock on by Elliot Minchella set Leeds on their way, and they were eventually awarded a penalty 15 metres out on the left hand side after a high tackle from Jez Litten. Miller opted for the two-point chance, making no mistake this time to put Leeds ahead.

It was part of a dominant final fifteen of the half for the Blue and Gold, now back to their full compliment, but their hard work was undone when they conceded a high tackle penalty of their own, which was duly converted by Mourgue. The sides went down the tunnel after a pulsating first half with the scores level at six each. 

Leeds were not content to simply hold their own against the league leaders however, continuing their recent trend of making flying starts to the second half. Smart play from James Bentley and a quick release from Jake Connor released Handley and Lumb down the left. The pacey pair toyed with Hull, exchanging four passes before Lumb eventually went over. Miller bent in a tricky touchline conversion to open a six-point lead for his side. 

Leeds dominated the centre, creating space for Sam Lisone who was the victim of a high tackle from Sauaso Sue. The Samoan was given his marching orders, trudging off in disbelief as Miller added another two points from 35 metres out. 

The AMT Headingley crowd cut a tense picture, aware that Leeds’ eight-point and one-man advantage was no guarantee of securing a first home win against Hull KR in the last three attempts. It proved so, as Broadbent went over with thirteen minutes to play for his second try, following a break down the left. A wayward kick from Mourgue hit the post for the second time in the game, leaving the Rhinos with a four-point lead. They tried desperately to cling on as a 40/20 from Mikey Lewis went begging. 

There was another twist in the tale however, as Ash Handley was shown a red card with eight minutes to play for a high tackle. The home support was enraged with what was a controversial red, but Hull fans would argue that the decision against Sue was similarly soft. 

A minute later, Hull drew level as James Batchelor escaped through the right and squeezed the ball over to send the travelling fans into raptures. Faced with the opportunity to kick into the lead, Mourgue fluffed his lines for the third time, setting up a blockbuster final five with the teams fourteen points and twelve men apiece.

It was to be Hull's day, however, as they silenced a raucous Headingley by bursting through Leeds’ ragged right once more. Mikey Lewis burned past Keenan Palacia and touched down between the posts. As some fans headed for the exits, others pleaded for the big screen as it appeared that James McDonald had been impeded in the build up. Leeds’ challenge was unsuccessful however, and Morgue converted from close range. Hull held on for the final few minutes, seeing out a brilliant comeback which sees them extend their lead at the top, and Leeds rueing what might have been. 

Teams

Rhinos
1. Lachie Miller, 5. Ryan Hall, 3. Harry Newman, 4. Ash Handley, 23. Riley Lumb, 18. Jake Connor, 20. Jack Sinfield, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 17. Cooper Jenkins, 14. Jarred O’Connor, 12. James McDonnell, 16. Morgan Gannon, 10. Keenan Palasia
Subs: 15. Sam Lisone, 19. Tom Holroyd, 11. James Bentley, 28. Kallum Watkins
Tries: Handley, Lumb
Goals: Miller
Penalties: Miller (2) Hull KR
35. Arthur Mourgue, 3. Peta Hiku, 12. James Batchelor, 4. Oliver Gildart, 18. Jack Broadbent, 6. Mikey Lewis, 7. Tyrone May, 8. Sauaso Sue, 9. Jez Litten, 10. Jared WaereaHargreaves, 11. Dean Hadley, 20. Kelepi Tanginoa, 13. Elliot Minchella Subs: 15. Sam Luckley, 16. Jai Whitbread, 21. Jack Brown, 25. Bill Leyland
Tries: Broadbent (2), Bachelor, Lewis
Goals: Mourgue
Penalties: Mourgu