Leeds Rhinos maintained their position at the top of Super League with a hard-fought victory over Wakefield Trinity, despite having three players sent to the sin-bin. The win was spearheaded by a hat-trick from Fijian winger Maika Sivo, who took his season tally to 17 tries in nine games.
Half-back Jake Connor was instrumental, providing four try assists and showcasing why he is a strong candidate for England's starting scrum-half role in this autumn's World Cup. Connor played a key part in all three of Sivo's tries, with Kallum Watkins also crossing before half-time to give Leeds a 20-12 lead at the break.
Wakefield fought back through tries from Oli Pratt and Tray Lolesio, and a period when Leeds were reduced to 11 men after yellow cards for Sivo and Ash Handley. Jayden Myers scored during that spell to cut the deficit to six points, raising hopes of a comeback.
However, Sivo completed his hat-trick shortly after returning, and Brodie Croft added two late tries to keep Wakefield at bay. The match lasted over two hours, partly due to a lengthy stoppage after Wakefield's Cam Scott was taken to hospital following a knockout, though he was later given the all-clear.
Leeds head coach Brad Arthur praised his team's resilience: 'I'm relieved because it was the longest game in history. The guys were really brave and strong defensively with 12 players. We handled everything really well.' Wakefield coach Daryl Powell admitted: 'It was carnage from start to finish. I just don't think we were that great.'
The victory keeps Leeds ahead of St Helens on points difference, after Saints beat York Knights 40-16. Leeds have now won eight of their first ten league games.
