Leeds Rhinos suffer first home defeat as Leigh Leopards claim 20-16 victory
Innes Senior’s double and a controversial late disallowed try secure surprise win for visitors, reshaping the top-end table dynamics.
Leeds Rhinos have suffered their first home defeat of the Betfred Super League season after a 20-16 loss to Leigh Leopards at Headingley on Thursday. The result marks a significant shift in the league’s hierarchy, allowing Wigan Warriors the opportunity to move level with Leeds at the top of the table, contingent on their upcoming fixture against Bradford Bulls.
Leigh’s victory was anchored by a two-try performance from Innes Senior, who powered over near the touchline in the first half after a video referee decision confirmed he grounded the ball before going out of bounds. Josh Charnley and Umyla Hanley also crossed for the visitors, while Leeds’ tries were scored by Ryan Hall and Brodie Croft.
The match, played under what Sky Sports described as balmy and energy-sapping conditions following the hottest day in the UK, saw Leeds lead 14-10 at half-time before Leigh rallied. A second-half try from Hanley put the visitors ahead 20-16, despite Leeds having centre Jack Bird replaced by Zak Lloyd following a head injury assessment.
Leigh’s defence held firm after second row Andy Badrock was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Harry Newman with 17 minutes remaining. Leeds pressed for an equaliser, but a late try by Ryan Hall was ruled out by the video referee after it was determined his foot was in touch as he grounded the ball in the corner.
The defeat follows other Thursday results where Hull KR defeated Catalans Dragons 28-10 and Warrington beat York Knights 30-10. Sky Sports continues its exclusive coverage of the Super League this season, broadcasting every game live with two matches per round exclusively on the channel and the remaining five available on Sky Sports+.
