Huddersfield sink Leeds with first-half blitz to tighten grip on playoff spot

Huddersfield Giants solidified their position inside Super League’s top four with a convincing victory against a Leeds Rhinos side whose inconsistent form prevents them from piecing together a realistic push for the playoffs.

Trailing 22-4 at half-time following a woeful opening 40 minutes against the Challenge Cup finalists, Leeds had little chance of mounting a comeback here, despite briefly reducing the deficit to 12 points in the second half. In the end, Huddersfield were worthy winners on a night which again reaffirmed why they are among the leading contenders for this year’s Grand Final as they moved above Catalans and into third.

Leeds produced their best performance of the season last week with a convincing win against Warrington but here, they were outclassed throughout a one-sided first half. After Will Pryce kicked Huddersfield ahead with an early penalty, the Rhinos then failed to deal with a Pryce kick and Ricky Leutele benefited to collect and cross for the hosts’ first try.

Five minutes later, quick hands to the right led to Jermaine McGillvary crossing in the corner before Leutele then turned provider for Jake Wardle and by the midway point of the first half, Leeds found themselves 16-0 behind and in deep trouble. Realistically, they had to score next to stand any chance of clawing themselves back into contention.

But as they launched their first serious attack of the match, a loose pass was collected by the Huddersfield forward Chris McQueen who raced the length of the field to make it 22-0. It was fairly desperate stuff from Leeds. They were being cut open time and time again defensively and were offering precious little in attack. However, on the stroke of half-time they finally made some possession