Leeds Rhinos have beat Huddersfield Giants to put them level on points with Wigan Warriors in second place. Here are our talking points from the match.

Harry Newman, Morgan Gannon, Brodie Croft and Mikolaj Oledzki all crossed for Leeds, as they saw out a hard-fought 26-0 victory.

Whilst it may not have been the greatest Rhinos performance, it is another win for Brad Arthur’s men, who have now won their last five matches. Here are our talking points from tonight’s game.

Huddersfield Giants vs Leeds Rhinos Talking Points

Connor injury blow

Leeds may have got the two points they wanted, but it came at great cost. The Rhinos’, and arguably Super League’s best player, Jake Connor left the field early into the second half with a shoulder injury. Picking up the knock in the first half, the elusive half put a kick into the in-goal area but was blocked by two Giants defenders, giving Leeds a penalty. The collision didn’t look too forceful, but he looked in some discomfort as he added the first of two first-half penalties.

The Rhinos will be hoping their key man’s injury is only short-term, as they head into the most crucial time of the season. Whilst the first half attack wasn’t up to scratch, the majority of the second saw Leeds scrambling for attacking options as they missed their talisman.

Newman back to his best

Harry Newman produced another solid performance tonight, as he opened the scoring just after the ten minute mark. Collecting a kick from Brodie Croft, the England centre collected with ease and touched down.

Minutes later, the 25-year-old produced a sublime break, evading multiple defenders and putting his side on the front foot. However, much like the rest of the evening, Leeds failed to convert the chance.

The centre has been in fine form in recent weeks, and has now scored three tries in his last four matches.

Youngster returns after a year on the sidelines

20-year-old Ned McCormack made his return to the first team after over a year, after picking up an injury during the Rhinos’ defeat to Warrington Wolves last year. As expected with a return after so long, the youngster had a shaky start, with a few loose passes, but soon found his groove.

He saved a would-be try in the first half, as Huddersfield floated a cut-out ball to the right edge. Winger Chris Hankinson misread the play, however McCormack was there to cover and take down Aidan McGowan before he could get the ball down.

Courageous Giants performance

Whilst neither the points nor the result came for Huddersfield, it was certainly a performance to be proud of for Luke Robinson, with his side not giving up for the full 80. Losing four of his key men before the game was a hammer blow on what has already been an incredibly difficult season, and the Giants lost another in the shape of Jack Billington to a HIA.

With two games left, Huddersfield face Salford and Leigh to end the year. If they are to get a victory in either of those, recent performances from both of those sides show that they will need to improve massively.

Rhinos level with Warriors

The result leaves Leeds level on points with Wigan Warriors in second place, with only points difference separating the two sides. Wigan have a tough battle against St Helens tomorrow night, and need a win if they are to re-gain their two point advantage.

The Rhinos will travel to Wigan in the final round of the regular season, in what could be a top two decider.