ALEX TOP OF PROPS

PROP idols Alex Walmsley and Luke Thompson took centre stage as St Helens won the latest Super League Friday thriller.

In a breathless contest the home side led 10-0 and trailed 10-22 before the two England stars grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

Walmsley – who missed most of last season with a worrying neck injury – stormed over twice in the space of six minutes to close the gap to two points.

Then Thompson crossed to give Justin Holbrook’s side an advantage they would not relinquish again.

It provided another terrific contest under the competition’s new high-speed laws.

And a welcome distraction from a day dominated by news of former rival Widnes’ financial implosion. And despite defeat, the Rhinos have already made significant strides under coach David Furner.

There seemed to be little indication of what was to come when Saints raced into a 10-0 lead.

Break

Theo Fages opened the scoring with a disputed try, Leeds players believing there was a double movement after he picked up a Konrad Hurrell mistake.

Soon after Jonny Lomax touched down for Saints after Regan Grace’s long-range break had laid the platform. But the home side were trailing at the break as the Rhinos found their feet.

Kallum Watkins crossed first after smart hands, before Hurrell crashed over in the corner.

The Tongan international then turned provider for his winger Ash Handley and Leeds had a fourth try when giant prop Mikolaj Oledzki forced his way over despite.

Then the tide turned again. There was no stopping Walmsley from a James Roby pass and soon after he made it 20-22.

Thompson then followed Walmsley’s lead by rampaging through the visitors’ defence.

Leeds came forward again and Tuimoala Lolohea was convinced he had touched down with seven minutes remaining but it was ruled out by the video referee. Roby added a late drop goal for Saints .