Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils face nervous disciplinary wait after controversial clash

In a huge game in the play-off race Leeds Rhinos came up with a vital win over Salford Red Devils this afternoon.

The Rhinos needed a win especially after the result between Hull KR and Hull FC meant that Leeds could move level 7th and keep Salford in their sights in the race to make the top six.

However, Leeds were up against it with star man Blake Austin suspended and Salford boosted by the return of Andy Ackers, Brodie Croft and Ryan Brierley.

However the Rhinos struck first with Cameron Smith probing across the line before picking his gap to score.

However, Salford would then heap on the pressure and Leeds would need try savers on Joe Burgess and Tim Lafai to stay ahead.

However, Lafai would eventually get on the board touching down a grubber to make it 6-4.

Leeds though would hit back with Richie Myler finding Ash Handley in the corner for his 99th Super League try to make it 10-4.

Just before the break Rhyse Martin nailed a penalty to make it 12-4.

But in the second half Salford would catch Leeds cold scoring almost a carbon copy of their first try with Lafai again scoring making it 12-10, Martin’s penalty proving key.

It was now Ryan Brierley kicking goals for Salford and he missed another effort at goal after Ken Sio put the Red Devils in front for the first time as Leeds were poor at the start of the second half.

They would burst into life and heap pressure on the Red Devils’ line but Salford stood up to it.

It wasn’t long until he was firing Leeds ahead kicking a penalty after forcing a goal line drop out making it 16-14.

Myler then thought he had sealed the win with a try but it was disallowed for obstruction.

However, it proved inconsequential as Leeds won 16-14.

What could have consequences is a brawl midway through the second half.

It was a fiery game laced with controversy and Mikolaj Oledzki and Chris Atkin involved in a scuffle that saw both sin binned.

They will both be wary of the match review panel tomorrow. There is precedent for players being banned for fights thus year such as with James McDonnell against St Helens however he had that ban overturned.