It is perhaps typical of this Leeds side that despite being in a miserable run of form, they always seem able to pull out a world-class performance when it truly matters. Without a win in three league games and stuttering at the top of Super League, Leeds showed that when it comes to knockout competition, they are up there with the very best.
They opened the defence of their Challenge Cup with an impressive and ultimately comfortable win against in-form Huddersfield, as their captain, Kevin Sinfield, returned to the side and produced the kind of performance that will see him regarded as one of the finest rugby league players of his generation.
Sinfield, who will leave Leeds and play union for Yorkshire Carnegie at the end of the season, scored 14 points, making his career total 4,046, to move within four of third place on the game’s all-time points scorers list. He had been dropped by Leeds for the last two matches and benched for the two before that, but his return here proved to be an inspired move as he ran the show.
“There’s no mastermind behind the decision to bring him back. It’s just in line with what we’ve done all year,” said the Leeds coach, Brian McDermott. “We make selections based on who we feel is best equipped to get the job done that weekend. Kevin’s an outstanding player – he’s never not been outstanding.”
It would be easy to argue that Sinfield’s return coinciding with this win was more than just coincidence, but Leeds possessed class all over the park. They were ultimately too good for a side that possess the meanest defence in Super League this season – but here were run completely ragged. They had not conceded more than 28 points in a game this year, but were blown apart by an attacking masterclass from Leeds, who head into Sunday’s quarter-final draw with a firm indicator that they are in no mood to give up this trophy without a fight.
“I didn’t think there was any way back after the first five minutes,” said the Huddersfield coach, Paul Anderson. “They were better than us every department, and well done to them. They ripped in and they got what they deserved. It’s what happens in life; you put the effort in and you get what you deserve.”
After the opening quarter Leeds had notched four tries and were well on their way to the last eight. Two from Kallum Watkins – the second coming from a marvellous pass from Sinfield – as well as a score for the returning Ryan Hall and Paul Aiton had made it 22-0.
Huddersfield offered brief hope with a try from Kyle Wood just before the break, but Leeds came out for the second half and quickly snuffed out any hope of a miraculous comeback.
Danny McGuire, Adam Cuthbertson and a second for Hall made the result secure for the holders, with Hall’s try symptomatic of Leeds’s performance – slick and easy on the eye.
Brett Ferres and Scott Grix posted a pair of consolation tries before the Rhinos had the final say when Carl Ablett raced home from 40 metres.
