Huddersfield Giants 12 Leeds Rhinos 12 match report: Leeds saved by Kallum Watkins to leave Giants sour

Kallum Watkins’ late try helped rescue a point for Leeds (Getty Images)

Leeds demonstrated exceptional defence to salvage a point from a Super League thriller as Huddersfield were held to a second consecutive home draw tonight.

The two captains, Kevin Sinfield (Leeds) and Danny Brough (Huddersfield) both failed with late drop-goal attempts as the game ended with a dramatic 12-12 tie at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Huddersfield, who had beaten the Rhinos in their past five meetings, will feel the most aggrieved after dominating the game for long periods and having four tries disallowed by video referee Richard Silverwood.

Leeds second rower Stevie Ward took Sinfield’s pass to stretch out for the game’s first try after only six minutes. The Giants responded and after a good spell of pressure a Jodie Broughton try brought them back into the contest.

Leeds edged in front on 64 minutes with a penalty from Sinfield. The lead was short-lived, however, as the impressive Luke Robinson produced another of his trademark darting runs to open up the Leeds defence and Joe Wardle took Chris Bailey’s cut-pass to cross at the corner.

Brough landed the touchline conversion to give his side the lead for the first time but the Rhinos levelled four minutes later when Kallum Watkins took a superb pass from full-back Zak Hardaker to touch down in the corner.

Sinfield was unable to add the goal and he was also short with a long-range drop-goal attempt.

Full-back Jamie Shaul scored two tries as Hull returned to winning ways with a crushing 44-16 victory over cash-strapped Bradford.

The Bulls took an early lead through captain Matt Diskin but struggled to live with Hull thereafter as Gareth Ellis, Joe Westerman, Shaul, Richard Whiting, Aaron Heremaia and Danny Houghton all crossed before the break.

St Helens made it four wins out of four thanks to a supercharged second-half showing to move clear at the top of the table and leave Hull KR still seeking their first Super League victory of the season. Saints won 38-18.