Big names stand up, headbutt allegations, Jordan Rapana and Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC talking points

Ryan Hall touched down in the most dramatic way possible to give Leeds Rhinos an 18-16 win over Hull FC on Friday night.

Here’s a few talking points we picked out.

Leeds’ big names stand up

Leeds Rhinos’ key men needed to stand up and be counted in the second half and that’s exactly what they did as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Jake Connor and Brodie Croft struggled to create at times in the game, but they produced when it counted late on to steal the points off a Hull side who probably were the best side on the night.

Ash Handley showed why he’s the co-captain of the Rhinos team and came up with a huge play late on, bursting away down the edge and carrying his side up the field. Ultimately that laid the platform for Ryan Hall’s last minute try.

The likes of Kallum Watkins and Lachie Miller were arguably two of Leeds’ best on the night, too and Leeds needed a big shift from the former to help swing momentum in the second half. It takes character, personality and experience to win games like that and Leeds showed they have it in abundance.

Having won four of their last five games, they’re well and truly on a roll now and with the above names capable to producing the big plays when the chips are down, Brad Arthur will be backing his side to really build up a head of steam now with Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity next up.

Hull will be just fine

As mentioned, the Black and Whites were the better side in Leeds and few would argue with that notion, even the most ardent of Leeds fans. They were nearly flawless for the first 40 minutes before Jack Ashworth’s reckless offload gifted the Rhinos a try and they really should have seen the game out from the position they found themselves in.

However, the level of performance is one that everyone associated with the club can be proud of and if they can carry that into games coming up against Leigh Leopards, Catalans Dragons and beyond, they will pick up points and buck their losing streak.

There was concern about Hull heading into the game at Headingley, with John Cartwright claiming the honeymoon period was over and the loss against Huddersfield Giants serving to underline that. Many were fearing the club could be heading in the wrong direction.

They rallied and then some against Leeds, though, with Davy Litten, Amir Bourouh and John Asiata among their top performers. Carry that on and they’ll pick up the points they need to challenge for a spot in the top six, that is for certain.

Jake Connor headbutt question

With the game scoreless at around the 20-minute mark, Zak Hardaker and Tom Briscoe could be seen appealing to the referee with allegations of a headbutt from Jake Connor in a tackle. And, it has to be said, the replay didn’t paint a pretty picture for the Leeds Rhinos man, with Connor appearing to move his head towards Briscoe as Leeds attempted to find a way out of their own half.

It’s unclear whether he made contact with the Hull man and the incident went unnoticed by referee Jack Smith. However, Connor may well be sweating when the match review panel meet on Monday morning, with the incident likely to be looked at.

Rapana scare

The Black and Whites were dealt a huge blow early in the contest as Jordan Rapana was stretchered from the field with a head injury. The centre rushed out the line in an attempt to jam Jake Connor, but he got his tackle wrong and was left in a heap on the floor as Leeds continued their attack around him.

Play was stopped when Jack Smith noticed the injury the Hull medical staff were quick to get to the New Zealand international’s side. The game was halted for just over 10 minutes before  he was eventually carried off the field.

Rapana has been one of the stars of Hull’s season so far and while Cartwright confirmed he was OK while speaking after the game, he’ll definitely miss the Black and Whites’ next game at Leigh Leopards.