31 .............. GIANTS

Jack Walker and Stevie Ward then combined to send Joel Moon over, despite the best efforts of Darnell McIntosh to intercept, and Watkins added the goal to even things up for a second time.

Just like in the first half, the Giants looked the likelier at the start of the second, but were lucky not to fall behind in the 53rd minute when video referee Robert Hicks ruled out a Danny McGuire ‘touchdown’ for obstruction.

Moments later lively Adam O’Brien was held up over the tryline on his Giants Super League debut before his dab-through was pounced on by Dale Ferguson to get the nod by Hicks for the try.

Brough’s conversion took Giants six points ahead again.

And that lead was extended five minutes later when Adam Cuthbertson spilled the ball on his own 20, and the ball was whipped out to Brough to send McIntosh racing in at the corner for Brough to land an excellent touchline conversion.

He then nudged his side three scores ahead in the 67th minute with a well-taken drop goal to add to the home side’s growing sense of anxiety.

Then Giants forward Oliver Roberts showed amazing strength to power over on the last tackle for the decisive try.

Video referee Hicks took an age to give the decision, but when it came and Brough converted, it signalled a mass blue and amber exodus. Castleford .............................................. Leeds ........................................................ Wigan ....................................................... Hull ............................................................ Salford ..................................................... Catalans Dragons ............................ Wakefield ............................................... St Helens ............................................... Warrington ........................................... HUDDERSFIELD ................................... Leigh ......................................................... Widnes ....................................................