Wakefield Trinity have beaten Leeds Rhinos 24-14 to progress to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.
Daryl Powell’s side went into the game as underdogs, but a brilliant effort saw them upset the odds to send their local neighbours, as Leeds’ Challenge Cup curse continues for another year.
The Rhinos have not reached the last eight of the competition since 2020, when they lifted the trophy at Wembley against Salford Red Devils.
Tonight’s game had almost everything, from a power outage, to a yellow card, to a Maika Sivo double. Here are the biggest talking points to come out of the game…
Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos Talking Points
Trinity progress:
You could argue that Trinity have upset the odds, with Leeds going into the game in tremendous form, following wins against Hull KR and Castleford Tigers.
Wakefield have had a slow start to the Super League campaign, winning two of their first four, but their efforts against the Rhinos were by far their most impressive of the season so far.
Tries came from Harvey Smith, Oliver Pratt, Matty Storton and Ky Rodwell, with Jack Sinfield kicking 4/4.
The draw for the Quarter Finals will take place on Tuesday 17 March live on BBC One at around 10:20am as part of hit TV show ‘Morning Live’. Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones will present.
Unexpected power cut:
In what was quite a bizarre start to the game, after six minutes of action the game had to be stopped due to a power outage at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
With no lighting and little communication for just under 25 minutes, the game was eventually restarted, and Wakefield were first to capitalise, as Smith crossed for the opening try of the game.
Wakefield’s young superstar:
Speaking of Smith, the hooker yet again stood out, and was one of Trinity’s top performers. Playing extended minutes due to the absence of Tyson Smoothy, the 20-year-old got himself on the scoresheet, and also showed his solid defensive brilliance, a trait that has seen him become one of the best young talents in the UK.
Jack Sinfield:
Against his former club, all eyes were on half-back Sinfield, who played against the Rhinos in a competitive game for the first time since departing in the off-season.
The playmaker has had a brilliant start to the season, picking up Player of the Match in his last three games, and he showed that form once again, providing a solid kicking threat that included a delicate cross-field kick that found Tom Johnstone, who in turn put Oliver Pratt away for his try.
Sinfield seems to have found his home at Belle Vue, and with Mason Lino still out injured, he is taking his opportunity with both hands and it will take some effort from the Australian to get his place back.
Newman sees yellow:
Leeds centre Harry Newman picked up his second yellow card of the season, after been sent to the sin bin by referee Jack Smith. Wakefield looked to be in for their fourth try of the evening, as Jake Trueman’s grubber looked to be a perfect one for Seth Nikotemo to score.
However, Newman professionally fouled the back rower in the act of scoring, and as a result was shown a yellow card. Trinity opted to take the two, but Sinfield couldn’t convert, in what was a huge let-off for Leeds.
George Brown blow:Â
Leeds were dealt a tough blow in the second half, with young half-back George Brown going off injured. Making only his third first-team appearance, the 18-year-old showed some promising signs, both in attack and defence.
The Rhinos will be hoping the injury isn’t too serious, especially considering Brodie Croft is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Trinity’s full-back dilemma:
Trinity stuck with full-back Josh Rourke this evening, meaning that Max Jowitt missed out yet again. Boss Powell is wanting to see more from his first-choice number one if he is to get back into the side.
Rourke, who has been impressive in his few chances in a Wakefield jersey, again didn’t put a foot wrong, meaning Wakefield stalwart Jowitt needs to impress the boss if he wants to earn back his starting jersey.
