HAND’S THREE

Hat-trick from Rhinos star Handley helps to haul back Hull

GETTING TO GRIPS Mikolaj Oledzki of Leeds takes on a Hull’s Brown, Fash and Griffin

ASH HANDLEY produced a pitch perfect Wembley audition as Leeds overcame a sluggish start against late stand-ins Hull FC.

The Black and Whites stepped into the breach at less than 24 hours’ notice after original opponents Castleford hit Covid-19 issues.

Hull were without 13 of their own players for a variety of reasons but defied the odds to take an early 10-0 lead.

Full-back Jack Walker then stepped forward with two tries and an assist to give the Rhinos a half-time lead, and Richard Agar’s team eased to victory in the second half, with Handley completing a hat-trick.

Walker, whose season has been di srupted by injury, was left out of the team that beat Wigan in last weekend’s semifinal.

But an injury to stand-off Rob Lui saw Richie Myler move into the halves and gave Walker a golden opportunity – which he grasped with both hands. Agar must now decide who to select for Tuesday’s game with Wa r r i n g t o n before their Salford showdown at Wembley just four days later. His side struggled early on as Mahe Fonua burst over and Andre Savelio crashed through with Myler in the sin- bin for a professional foul. But Walker then pounced following a Luke Gale kick before turning provider for

Handley to touch down. Walker’s second from a Matt Prior offload made it 10-16 at the break, and the Rhinos took control after the restart.

Impressive sub James Donaldson forced his way over and Brad Dwyer split the Hull defence before sending Handley stepping over for a superb try.

But the Black and Whites’ spirit remained, and quick-fire tries from Josh Griffin and Jack Brown – both following 40/20 kicks – briefly closed the gap to six points.

But Liam Sutcliffe responded from another Gale kick and Handley’s third completed the win.