Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity

Leeds Rhinos gave Rohan Smith his first win as new head coach as they ran out 20-6 winners against local rivals Wakefield Trinity.

A first half double from James Bentley set the Rhinos with 12 points before Jai Whitebread responded for Trinity. However, Rhyse Martin’s penalty goal and late try’s from Blake Austin and David Fusitu’a sealed victory for the Rhinos.

The defeat for Willie Poching’s side means their losing streak extends to seven games in all competitions and makes their position in the table look worse as they try and fight Super League survival.

Tom Lineham thought he had the first points for Wakefield on seven minutes. He was found on the right-hand side with space to run into, but play was brought back by the referee.

It was Smith’s side who opened the scoring, a simple move to the left found Bentley who found a gap in the Wakefield defensive line and exploited it to give his side an early lead.

Bentley soon got his second try just before half time, Again Leeds moved it to the left to find the second rower who caught the ball and made his way through a row of bodies and dived over to add to Leeds’s advantage.

However just before the interval, Whitebread responded for Wakefield. He barged his way to the line taking several Leeds defenders with him to get Trinity off the mark.

Leeds went into break thinking how they had not added to their lead, Ash Handley was found with room on the right-hand side but as he ventured forward towards the lien he ran out of space and threw the ball away.

It was proving to be tough for either side to break each other down. Leeds came close early in the second but coughed up the ball at the vital moment.

Martin did add an extra two for the Rhinos. Wakefield made an error on the 20-metre line which provided the centre the chance to kick the goal which he did.

A try did come for home-side eventually. Simple Rugby again with the ball moving to the right to find Austin who raced over the line to give his side room to breathe.

Fusitu’a polished off an industrious win for Leeds. He received the ball from the right and tucked in at the corner to add extra to a derby day win for Leeds.

For Rohan Smith’s side they next travel to Warrington Wolves Friday night where his side will hope to start building momentum for a playoff push.

Wakefield Trinity will have to dust themselves down. They next host Hull FC on Sunday 5th June.

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