Leeds Rhinos secured their top position in the Super League with a victory over Wakefield Trinity, highlighted by Maika Sivo's hat-trick. Jake Connor's exceptional performance included four try assists, reinforcing his bid for an England recall ahead of the World Cup.
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Leeds Rhinos solidified their position at the Super League summit, with Jake Connor underlining his credentials as Englandâs starting half-back for this autumnâs World Cup as Brad Arthurâs side proved too strong for Wakefield Trinity.
Despite spending almost half an hour with 12 men thanks to three separate sin-binnings, the Rhinos were the superior outfit against a Wakefield side who would have gone joint-top with victory. But in the end, it was Leeds who remain clear in first place after another fine showing in front of a bumper Headingley crowd.
Connor was the undisputed star, with four try assists and a near-faultless display to emphasise why the reigning Man of Steel must be in contention for a long-awaited England recall this autumn under new coach Brian McDermott after being strangely omitted for last yearâs Ashes by Shaun Wane. On this form, no half-back is better than Connor.
The opening exchanges were stop-start after a lengthy injury delay. After Leeds took an early lead thanks to a Jake Connor penalty, Wakefieldâs Cam Scott had to be taken off on a stretcher after being knocked out cold when colliding with Keenan Palasia. And once the contest settled into a rhythm it was Leeds, and Connor in particular, who thrived.
The Rhinos half-back had a hand in everything the hosts did well, as they forged a deserved 14-0 lead thanks to two magnificent pieces of play from Connor. It was his magnificently timed pass which created the space for Ash Handley to send Maika Sivo over in the corner before Connor then delivered another inch-perfect pass, this time for Kallum Watkins to score.
Connor converted both to put the hosts in complete control, but Wakefield hit back when an intricate piece of attack sent Oli Pratt in at the corner. However, Leeds restored their advantage when Sivo bulldozed his way over for his second try, and 16th in just nine league games.
Leeds Rhinos dominated Wakefield Trinity, winning the match and maintaining their position at the top of the Super League.
Jake Connor had a standout performance with four try assists and played a crucial role in Leeds' victory.
Maika Sivo scored a hat-trick, significantly contributing to Leeds' win over Wakefield Trinity.
Jake Connor's impressive performance in this match has strengthened his case for a recall to the England rugby league team ahead of the World Cup.
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Wakefieldâs Cameron Scott is taken off on a stretcher after being knocked out in a clash with Leedsâ Keenan Palasia. Photograph: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com/Shutterstock
But Sivo was sent to the sin-bin a minute from half-time for a high shot on Josh Rourke and from the resulting penalty, Tray Lolesio barged his way over to make it 20-12. A game the Rhinos had dominated for large stretches was suddenly in the balance.
Another Connor penalty after the break settled the nerves slightly but just as Sivo was set to return, Leeds were reduced to 11 men when Ash Handley was sin-binned for a tackle off the ball. Before Sivo came back, Wakefield took advantage through Jayden Myersâ excellent finish to get within four points. But Leeds then responded with another Connor assist, this time for Brodie Croft to break away and score.
Sivo bulldozed his way over to complete his hat-trick before Croftâs second in the final three minutes sealed another big win for the hosts.
Leeds Miller; Sivo, Handley, Bird, Hall; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, Levi, Palasia, McDonnell, Hankinson, Watkins. Interchange Jenkins, Holroyd, OâConnor, Smith.
Wakefield Rourke; Pratt, Scott, Hall, Myers; Trueman, Lino; McMeeken, Smoothy, Hamlin-Uele, Storton, Pitts, Rodwell. Interchange Faatili, Smith, Lolesio, Tate.
Referee C Kendall.