Yorkshire | Wakefield stun Leeds Rhinos with late win

Wakefield Trinity 15 - 14 Leeds Rhinos

Mason Lino landed a last-gasp drop goal to clinch a dramatic win for Wakefield Trinity and breathe fresh life into their Super League play-off push.

Author | Oliver W

Stadium | Belle Vue

On an intense night in West Yorkshire, it appeared as though Leeds had done enough to take the points when Jarrod O'Connor crossed in the 66th minute. But Matty Storton muscled his way over with nine minutes remaining, allowing the hosts to draw level and set up a nerve-shredding finale.

As the match veered towards golden point, Brodie Croft dragged a drop-goal attempt wide for the visitors. Moments later, Lino stepped up from 35 metres, launching a hurried, pressured kick that sailed over to seal victory. The Samoan half-back, who also set up Storton's try, later admitted he had miscued the effort and got “lucky”.

The result lifts Daryl Powell’s Trinity into sixth place, with Leeds missing the chance to draw level on points with second-placed Wigan.

A closer analysis of what haplened

Wakefield began brightly, opening the scoring through Lachlan Walmsley after a fluid attacking move. But Leeds responded swiftly, Sam Lisone crashing over following a spell of direct play.

Despite having less of the ball, Brad Arthur’s side made it count in the second half, with O'Connor darting over for his first try of the campaign. Wakefield offered little attacking threat for much of the second period, but found a way through when it mattered. Jowitt’s conversion brought the sides level at 18–18.

Croft’s late miss kept the home crowd on edge, but Lino delivered the defining moment on his 150th career appearance. His composed finish was met with jubilant celebrations from team-mates and staff alike, with Powell and club owner Matt Ellis visibly moved in the stands.

It was Wakefield’s second win of the season over their local rivals, moving them above Hull in a tightly contested race for the play-offs. Leeds, meanwhile, drop to fourth after a second defeat in three games.