Betfred Super League’s opening round produced another upset this afternoon when promoted Wakefield Trinity stunned Leeds Rhinos 14-12 at AMT Headingley.
There was nothing in the game for the opening quarter, but Trinity then scored three tries in 10 minutes – and had another disallowed – to go 14-0 ahead.
Rhinos pulled six points back on the stroke of half-time, but Wakefield weren’t to be denied, despite being reduced to 12 men for a spell with Mason Lino in the sin-bin.
It was a remarkable victory by Trinity who were under pressure for most of the second period.
Leeds, on the other hand, were toothless and will be in for another poor year if they don’t find a massive improvement.
The game turned on that 10-minute spell midway through the first half. Trinity broke the deadlock when Tom Johnstone kept the ball alive following a kick on the last, Jake Trueman picked up and Jowitt crossed off a one-two with Corey Hall.
Referee Aaron Moore signalled a try and it was awarded after video official Liam Rush decided the winger wasn’t in touch before getting the ball away. Jowitt converted.
In the next set, Trueman split the defence and out-foxed Jake Connor before putting the supporting Jowitt in again.
Moments later Oli Pratt ran through the defence to touch down, but the on-field call of ‘try’ was overturned by Rush who spotted an obstruction.
The pressure continued, however, and rampant Trinity grabbed their third try when Liam Hood followed up his own kick, Connor fumbled and Lino grounded the ball.
Leeds hadn’t looked like scoring, but got on the board on the final play of the opening half when Brodie Croft grubbered behind the line and Harry Newman ran through to touch down. Moore indicated no try, but was again overruled by his video assistant.
Leeds did most of the attacking after the interval, but Trinity’s defence was magnificent and didn’t crack until the final minute when Sam Lisone went over from close-range and Connor added the conversion to his touchline goal following Newman’s try.
Trinity lost Lino for a spell in the final quarter following a high tackle on Riley Lumb. It was a dismal performance by Leeds, but Mike McMeeken, Jake Trueman and Matty Storton all impressed for the visitors.
Leeds Rhinos: Connor, Lumb, Handley, Newman, R Hall, Croft, Frawley, Oledzki, Ackers, Palasia, McDonnell, Bentley, C Smith. Subs Lisone, Holroyd, Gannon, Edgell.
Wakefield Trinity: Jowitt, M Russell, Pratt, C Hall, Johnstone, Trueman, Lino, McMeeken, Hood, Hamlin-Uele, Croft, Storton, Pitts. Subs O Russell, Doyle, Vagana, Faatili.
Referee: Aaron Moore (Wigan). Attendance: 15,364.
The Rhinos lose out on the opening day despite tries from Harry Newman and Sam Lisone
Rhinos 12 – 14 Trinity
🤝 In partnership #Anchor #ButtertheFoodButtertheMood pic.twitter.com/FnrRLZkwQi— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 15, 2025
