Maika Sivo scored a late try to edge Leeds past their rivals St Helens in a thrilling Super League encounter at Headingley. The Rhinos finally ended their decade-long wait for a home victory over the Saints, solidifying their position at the top of the table.
Leeds End Long Wait for Home Victory Against St Helens
Leeds Rhinos recovered from an eight-point deficit at half-time to secure a 24-16 win over St Helens, ending a run of nine consecutive home losses against their great rivals dating back to 2017. This includes last year's dramatic playoff clash where St Helens snatched victory with a late try.
The match was not the highest quality between two clubs with 18 Super League titles between them, but it was certainly thrilling. The result was not decided until the final moments when Maika Sivo scored his 20th league try of the campaign, and Jake Connor nervelessly converted from the sideline to open up a two-score lead.
Connor was once again the undisputed star, criminally overlooked for England in last year's Ashes series. His performance was hugely influential in everything Leeds did well, and his odds of featuring in this year's World Cup must be shortening by the week.
The Saints knew extending their incredible winning run at Headingley would have seen them usurp Leeds at the top, and they may look back on this as a missed opportunity. They were not at their best but had enough moments of promise to put away a Leeds side somewhat below their best.
First Half Action
The Rhinos took an early lead with a penalty from Connor, but the visitors responded magnificently. A piercing break from Daryl Clark was finished by Alex Walmsley, followed by an intense period of pressure from the hosts that yielded points as the half-hour mark approached. Leeds had spurned numerous chances before Connor's clever pass sent Chris Hankinson through against the grain to give the half-back a simple conversion and move the Rhinos back in front.
However, the Saints rallied superbly to score back-to-back tries and take the lead going into the break. First, George Whitby and Jonny Lomax combined to send Kyle Feldt over in the corner, then a wonderful kick from Jack Welsby was grounded by Tristan Sailor. In the blink of an eye, Leeds' slender two-point lead had been erased, with the visitors ahead by eight at the interval.
Second Half Comeback
Just as the Saints were flawless in the final 10 minutes of the first half, Leeds were equally brilliant at the start of the second. Another spell of pressure led to points almost immediately as Brodie Croft's perfect pass sent Harry Newman over, before a penalty from Connor two minutes later levelled matters at 16-16.
Even with half an hour remaining, it was evident that two of Super League's all-time great clubs were going to go the distance yet again. The crucial moment arrived with seven minutes left when David Klemmer was sin-binned for an off-ball tackle on Hankinson. From that, Connor kicked another penalty to nudge Leeds back in front.
When Leeds were given an opportunity to decisively end matters, Connor stepped up. His cut-out pass was inch-perfect and gave Sivo a free run to the corner. Connor then kicked the conversion with minimal fuss to ensure it would be Leeds, not the Saints, who finished the night top of the league.
