Wakefield Trinity have won one of the games of the season, after defeating Huddersfield Giants 29-23.
It was a game that, going into it, many thought would be a comfortable win for Trinity, but it was far from that with the game hanging in the balance until the final minute.
Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken crossed early to suggest it would be a blowout, but the away side clawed their way back through Jacob Gagai and Cole Geyer to take the lead.
Jack Sinfield’s score on the stroke of half-time turned the tide again, but Asher O’Donnell’s score swung the momentum again. Josh Rourke and Adam Swift’s try, as well as a Max Jowitt penalty made the scores level at 22-22 with 15 to go, before Sinfield knocked over a fabulous drop goal from 40 metres out to get Wakefield ahead.
With two minutes to go, Oli Russell levelled the score with a one-pointer of his own, but the half-back then cost his side the game after throwing a long ball to the wing which was interecpted by Rourke, who sealed the win with his second try.
Wakefield Trinity v Huddersfield Giants talking points
Rourke sinks the Giants’ hearts as Russell goes from hero to zero:Â
After Russell’s drop goal levelled the game back up, Huddersfield had possession and all they needed to do was keep hold of the ball and take the game to golden point.
However, in the heat of the moment, the half-back threw the pass to Swift needlessly, and it is that that cost them the two points.
Rourke’s intercept sent allowed for his second try of the afternoon, in what was an excellent showing from the versatile back.
Wakefield were a fair way from perfect, but wins like that will mean much more, and will be much more beneficial for winning a game in that fashion, than doing so comfortably, which many expected them to do going into it.
Lenihan making his mark:
Regardless of whether Huddersfield had won or lost this game, it’s clear to see the impact that new boss Jim Lenihan is having on the side.
He may only have been there a matter of weeks, with this being his fifth game in charge, but week-to-week there are gradual improvements from the Giants.
Effort is better, confidence is growing, their defence is improving and whilst it is a long-term project, there are green shoots.
Terrific Tom:
After two chances for Johnstone very nearly broke the deadlock, it would be third time lucky for the Wakefield wingman, who crossed on nine minutes after a lofted pass from Jake Trueman saw him cross for his fourth try in three games.
It’s not just his put-downs that are so impressive, his work out of back-field and his ability to get Trinity on the front foot in sets is equally as valuable. There’s a reason he was named in last year’s Ashes squad, and again in the recent England performance squad. With his injury curse seemingly behind him, it’s thrilling to see the 30-year-old talent strut his stuff at the best of his ability.
Off-contract man shines as loanee impresses:
In what has, overall, been a hugely disappointing season so far for Huddersfield, one man who has stood out is centre Jacob Gagai.
The younger brother of NRL star, Dane, is out of contract at the end of the season, and you’d expect that he’d have many suitors in Super League given his efforts this year.
He joined the club last season, and was switched around across the back line, but he seems to have found his role at centre, and an excellent try this afternoon proves he has the quality to be a top Super League player.
In addition, hooker Cole Geyer had a brilliant game, coming off the interchange bench and providing great energy and direction from the ruck. He scored a great try, and played extra minutes than usual, something that paid off this afternoon.
Double injury concern:
Wakefield were hampered by two injuries to their forwards this afternoon, limiting the substitutions available to them.
Jazz Tevaga left the field around 25 minutes in, with the report being that he had an issue with his ribs.
In the second half, Jay Pitts looked to have suffered an ankle injury after Fenton Rogers went third man into the tackle and took the veteran below the knee, causing pain.
Tevaga was able to return for a second spell, playing the last 10 minutes when the game was well in the balance, however Pitts is much more of a doubt for Magic Weekend next week.
