Agar hails Burrow effect as Leeds cut down Giants

Leeds coach Richard Agar admitted the crowd reaction to the appearance of popular former player Rob Burrow may have contributed to an 18-12 victory over Huddersfield that kept alive their Super League playoff hopes.

Former Great Britain scrum-half Burrow was given a rapturous welcome as guest of honour at Headingley on the day of the launch of his autobiography Too Many Reasons To Live, the story of his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

The 10,000-strong crowd then roared its approval as his three children presented the match ball to referee Ben Thaler and he told them: “I will never give in.” Agar said: “All the boys made a point of seeing him in the tunnel and he certainly inspired the crowd. His children bringing the ball in and him clapping the crowd were special moments and we should savour them.”

The fans clapped in the seventh minute as a mark of respect for the former Leeds No7 and they were cheering again nine minutes later when acting captain Ash Handley opened the scoring with his third try in as many matches.

Leeds’ other tries came from Richie Myler and Rob Lui, with Handley landing a conversion and Harry Newman successful with two penalties. Will Pryce, Sam Wood and Owen Trout went over for Huddersfield.

Last night’s other match between Warrington and Catalans Dragons was called off seven hours before kick-off.

The Dragons said that four members of their essential staff had tested positive for Covid-19.