In a Nutshell
An entertaining battle between two well-matched sides, although the Giants had four tries disallowed by the video referees.
How it unfolded
Leeds Rhinos came to the John Smith’s Stadium with a 100% record, but were unable to defeat an enthusiastic Giants side that was giving a debut to winger Jodie Broughton, with the teams ending level on the scoreboard at 12-12.
The Rhinos went ahead after six minutes through Stevie Ward, whose try was converted by skipper Kevin Sinfield. The Giants tried to fight back, but suffered three disallowed tries until Broughton scored on his debut after 34 minutes, although Brough couldn’t add the goal and they went in two points in arrears at the interval.
In the second half Brough and Sinfield swapped penalties before the Giants finally took the lead with a try in the corner by Joe Wardle, and this time the video referee awarded it, with Brough adding a superb touchline conversion.
But Leeds were not finished, and after Joel Moon made a great break into the heart of the Giants’ defence, the ball was swept to the right for Kallum Watkins to level the scores. Sinfield couldn’t convert, and he later hit the post with a drop-goal attempt, while Brough also failed to add a one-pointer.
The Giants suffered a blow in the second half, however, when Broughton had to leave the field with a leg injury.
Neither side looked happy at the end with having to share the spoils.
A full report and pictures from tonight’s game will feature in Monday’s edition of Rugby League Express.
