GIANTS SHOW WHO’S BOSS
Three Lions chief Southgate looks on as Huddersfield end their nine-game nightmare run
GARETH SOUTHGATE proved a lucky charm for struggling Huddersfield, but he will not be quite so welcome at Headingley in future.
The Harrogate-based England football boss shunned the Manchester derby to watch the nearlytop of Super League host the almost-bottom. But it was the Giants who denied the Rhinos top spot by ending a nine-game winless streak with a superb second-half display. And it was welcome relief for under-pressure Huddersfield coach Rick Stone after seeing his side dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Championship Swinton last Sunday. Both sides scored two tries in the first half, with the Giants hitting back from 6-0 down to lead 12-6 before the Rhinos drew level by the break. Aussie hooker Matt Parcell’s seventh touchdown in eight games after 13 minutes put Leeds in front before compatriot Jake Mamo replied for the visitors. Kruise Leeming’s 40-20 proved the catalyst for the same player to dart over and give Huddersfield a surprise advantage after 26 minutes. As the TV cameras focused in on the Swaziland-born hooker, he gestured to his black armband – worn by the Huddersfield players following the sudden death of chairman Ken Davy’s wife, Jennifer, on Wednesday. Danny Brough’s second goal made it 12-6 as the former Man of Steel extended a scoring sequence against Leeds to 23 games that dates back to 2009. The Rhinos were behind for only five minutes as Joel Moon’s try – his eighth in seven matches – and Kallum Watkins’ second goal tied the scores. The Giants’ depressing sequence of results does include commendable draws at Wigan and St Helens. And they were still all square after Danny Mcguire’s 52nd-minute effort to extend his lead as Super League’s top try scorer was chalked off for obstruction. Video referee Robert Hicks’ decision proved pivotal as Huddersfield bagged two converted tries in four minutes to stun their neighbours along the M62. Back-rower Dale Ferguson and winger Darnell Mcintosh touched down to leave Leeds needing to score three times to steal the win. That comeback never materialised as Brough dropped a goal then kicked his fifth conversion following Oliver Roberts’ try.