Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants had to share the points in a pulsating clash at the John Smith’s Stadium with Liam Sutcliffe kicking a late penalty to secure the draw for the visitors.

The Rhinos came into the game looking to get back to winning ways after defeat to Warrington six days earlier however they found themselves behind after just five minutes when Danny Brough broke through on halfway and put Joe Wardle in for his fourth try in successive games against the Rhinos. Brough added the conversion to give his side a 6-0 lead.
 
Leeds were looking to get a response and they went close when first Brad Singleton and then Zak Hardaker were held up over the line. Finally they did get over as Brett Delaney crossed for his first try of the season.
 
The Rhinos then took the lead as Carl Ablett showed tremendous strength to hold off the would be tackler and force the ball down. The decision went to the video referees for confirmation and the try was awarded. Sutcliffe converted both tries to give his side a 12-6 lead.
 
That lead was further extended with a  superb piece of centre play from Joel Moon as he cut back inside after taking a pass outwide and raced through the defence to score. Sutcliffe was again on target to make it 18-6.
 
The Rhinos then crossed for a fourth first half try when Kallum Watkins finished off well following two wide passes to put him in space down the touchline. Sutcliffe was unable to add the conversion but his side now led 22-6.
 
Huddersfield began to make in roads into the lead with the final kick of the first half when Brough kicked a penalty from 40 metres out following obstruction by Delaney to make it 22-8 at the break.
 
The Giants came out fired up at the start of the second half but the Rhinos matched them with some outstanding defence. The kept them out until the hour mark when Michael Lawrence finally found a way through next to the posts.
 
The home side cut the gap even further when McGillvary took advantage of a spilled ball by Ash Handley to touch down. Brough missed the latter conversion but his side were now within touching distance at 22-18.
 
They then took the lead with ten minutes to go when Wardle crossed for his second try despite claims for obstruction. Brough added the conversion to edge his side into a 24-22 lead.
 
The Rhinos had to defend their line stoutly after that to give themselves a chance to getting something out of the game and they got their reward when the Giants were penalised on their own line. Captain McGuire opted to go for goal and Sutcliffe duly levelled the match.
 
Sutcliffe and Brough exchanged missed drop goals in the closing stages but nothing could separate the sides and sets up an intriguing Cup clash in a fortnight.