9 Apr 2023
Match Report | Leeds Rhinos (A)
Huddersfield Giants fell to a 18-17 defeat at Headingley in Rivals Round.
A lightening quick start from the Giants saw ourselves take an early lead, as returning winger Jermaine McGillvary crashed over in the corner, being sent in by Tui Lolohea.
After we were then awarded a penalty, Chris Hill raced into the Rhinos defence and then freed Chris McQueen to score his second try in two games.
Leeds’s indiscipline cost them again, as they gave away a penalty for accidental offside, as Nene Macdonald couldn’t take a high kick from Jake Connor, and the latter kicked us two points further in front.
Rohan Smith’s men did get their first points of the afternoon, as successive sets on the Giants’ line saw Ash Handley cross in the corner to mark his return.
The Rhinos would come again, before the hooter but Kevin Naiqama stole the ball and raced down the field, helping Jake Connor to slot a drop goal as half-time sounded, and we would go into the changing rooms 13-4 up.
After the interval, Leeds would turn the screw as James McDonnell spotted a gap and crashed over to reduce the arrears.
Then, Ash Handley broke through the Giants line and several offloads saw Rhyse Martin cross in the corner.
Giants miserable start to the second half was compounded, as The Rhinos hit the front through Cameron Smith who touched down after we couldn’t take a high ball, in controversial circumstances.
Chris McQueen did score to get us back into the game, as Jake Connor slid a delicate kick in-behind the Rhinos defence, McQueen grabbed his second of the afternoon.
It wouldn’t be enough, however as we fell to a one-point defeat at the hands of the Rhinos 18-17.
Final Score | Leeds Rhinos 18 - 17 Huddersfield Giants
TRIES
Jermaine McGillvary, Chris McQueen 2
GOALS
Jake Connor 1/3
PENALTY GOALS
Jake Connor 1/1
DROP GOALS
Jake Connor 1/1
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS – Will Pryce, Jermaine McGillvary, Esan Marsters, Kevin Naiqama, Sam Halsall, Tui Lolohea, Jake Connor, Chris Hill, Nathan Peats, Matty English, Harvey Livett, Chris McQueen, Luke Yates.
Interchanges – Adam O’Brien, Seb Ikahihifo, Harry Rushton, Jack Ashworth. 18th Man, Leroy Cudjoe
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