Cats too smart for Rhinos

Leeds' dreadful start to the defence of their Super League crown continued as the champions slumped 28-18 at Wakefield.

The Rhinos suffered a shock home defeat to Castleford last time out, and were beaten again by an impressive Wakefield side, who have now won all three of their opening fixtures.

Wakefield were good value for their eight-point lead at the interval, with Sean Gleeson and Ben Jeffries both going over.

A converted score from Danny McGuire kept Leeds in touch, but a length-of-the-field try from Danny Brough and a Daryl Millard score after the break proved just enough to see off the champions.

Wakefield continually got themselves in a good position and the first points went their way with 10 minutes gone.

Leeds kicked through on their last tackle and Luke George managed to work his way up the field. From there on in a wonderful off-load from Shane Tronc had Brough racing down the middle of the pitch and Jeffries, who took the ball on, sent Gleeson in under the posts. Brough added the extras.

Leeds looked like crossing in the 20th minute but Brough came racing back and hauled Rob Burrow down.

Attack

Brough then kicked a penalty before yet another gave the Wildcats a chance to attack. And after moving the ball wide Jeffries darted between Keith Senior and Jamie Jones-Buchanan to touch down.

Brough missed a difficult conversion before the lead was halved seven minutes before half-time.

An off-load by Ian Kirke created the chance and it was McGuire on his shoulder to go in under the sticks.

Kevin Sinfield converted but Brough added a second penalty before the break.

Wakefield increased their lead with just two second-half minutes gone.

As the ball was slung in Senior's direction, Brough read the situation and intercepted close to his own line. Still with plenty to do he out-paced Ryan Hall and McGuire on a 90-metre run to the line.

The Wildcats scrum-half then slotted over the resulting conversion.

Sinfield found himself in the sin-bin with 52 minutes gone and just three minutes later Brough created another score with a high, hanging kick.

Competition

With competition in the air from several players, it was Millard who came down with the ball for a try converted by Brough.

McGuire sent right-wing Scott Donald over in the corner just after the hour mark for a try converted by Burrow.

And just five minutes later the Leeds right-wing showed great persistence down the Wakefield left to squeeze his way over following some neat handling from the backs.

Sinfield converted it but again more points came for the home side when Brough kicked a penalty from underneath the posts and that 10-point cushion proved sufficient.