Rhinos undone by Rooney

Stand-off Rooney stars with 12 points in Wakefield win

Last updated: 26th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rhinos undone by Rooney

Rooney: Starred

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Leeds Rhinos' young guns went down 22-16 to an experienced Wakefield Wildcats team on Boxing Day.

Despite a hat-trick from 20-year-old centre Jodie Broughton, who spent a spell on loan at Hull last season, converted second-half tries for Matt Blaymire and Jamie Rooney proved the difference at Headingley.

The absence of Leeds' World Cup contingent meant Brian McClennan gave a run out to a youthful side, which included four trialists from France's domestic competition.

Amar Sabri staked his claim for a contract impressively in defence in the early stages, but the Wildcats' pressure eventually told as Liam Walmsley went in at the corner for the game's opening try.

Sam Obst then sneaked over from dummy half, following Broughton's first of the match, as the Wildcats went in 10-4 up at the break.

Broughton ran 60 metres for his second four-pointer of the game after the interval, but Paul McShane's wayward kicking proved costly.

Blaymire's angled break produced a third try for Wakefield and then the influential Rooney then forced his way over to make it 22-8.

Michael Ratu replied for Leeds and Broughton completed his hat-trick, but it was too little too late for the depleted Rhinos outfit.