Jon Wilkin’s confused reaction to Jake Connor error

Jake Connor’s decision to kick the ball out towards the end of Leeds Rhinos’ 18-17 win over Huddersfield at Headingley left many confused.

Connor, who had kicked a drop goal at the end of the first half to send the Giants into the sheds 13-4 ahead, decided the kick the ball out of play in the final minutes of the game instead of going from a one-pointer with his side trailing 18-17.

Sky Sports commentator Jon Wilkin claimed Connor made that decision thinking his team were 18-17 up as he and others were left very confused by his decision.

Wilkin said in commentary on Sky Sports:

“Jake Connor has kicked that ball out thinking they are winning.

“I’m telling you know that’s what’s happened there. He’s got that wrong in the heat of the moment.

“His teammates are looking at him and asking what he’s doing. He thinks they are winning the game.”

This confusion was shared by Leeds Rhinos star Nene MacDonald.

The Man of the Match in a pulsating game, the centre who played on the wing reacted to Connor’s decision in an interview with Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks after the game.

“I don’t know what he (Connor) was doing at the end there kicking it out,” Macdonald said to Brooks.

“He thought he was up by one point so I was confused after that. I was just happy we got away with the win in the end.”