Super League: Leigh Leopards 16-22 Leeds Rhino: Ash Handley double seals stunning comeback win

Leeds fought back from 16-0 down to claim a thrilling victory and extend Leigh's winless start to the season.

The Leopards took charge with tries from Gareth O'Brien, Kai O'Donnell and Umyla Hanley and two Matt Moylan goals to power ahead at the break.

Leeds stormed back to level with three tries in 13 minutes through Rhyse Martin, Matt Frawley and Ash Handley.

And Handley crossed again for his seventh try of the season to complete a stunning comeback win.

The try brought further gloom for the hosts as Lachlan Lam limped off, and Leeds just about hung on after Justin Sangare was sent to the sin-bin with seven minutes left to give Leigh late impetus.

An eighth defeat in their last 10 fixtures, stretching back to last season, left Leigh in 10th spot, while back-to-back wins lifted the Rhinos into third, level on points with leaders St Helens after their surprise defeat at home to Salford.

Like this campaign, Leigh lost their opening two fixtures as a newly-promoted side last season, but expectations are now higher after their Challenge Cup triumph and play-off place in a fine top-flight return.

And they looked to have finally kick-started their season in style as they dominated the first half and raced into a 10-0 lead as O'Brien and then O'Donnell benefitted from Lam's well-timed passes to cross.

The Rhinos looked all at sea and Leigh were irresistible as the hosts added a third try in 13 minutes when O'Brien's cut-out pass allowed Hanley to dot down for a smart finish in the corner. Moylan's boot made it 16-0 after Jarrod O'Connor was pinged for a high shot on Robbie Mulhern.

Leigh went close to further scores either side of the break - and the near-misses would ultimately prove crucial.

Referee Chris Kendall spared Leeds a fourth try before the break with a marginal call as Tom Amone's effort was chalked off for a double movement.

Hanley's spectacular flying finish at the other end following the break was ruled out by the video referee for a toe in touch, after the try had been awarded on-field.

Frankie Halton was then held up over the line as Leopards continued to threaten, but moments later Martin showed good strength to stretch for the line with two men hanging off the Papua New Guinea international.

Leeds sensed an opportunity when O'Brien was sent to the sin-bin for a professional foul and two tries in three minutes drew them level.

Frawley sold a dummy before racing under the posts, and Super League player of the month Handley then came to the party, dotting down in the left corner.

With 11 minutes left, Leeds had completed an amazing turnaround as another flowing move involving Martin and Brodie Croft gave Handley a walk-in.

Leigh boss Adrian Lam:

"A little bit frustrated - with the effort we put in, I feel we deserved something out of the game.

"I thought the first half was as good a footy we have played during my time here so far and thought the second 40 was just disruption after disruption.

"I'm just disappointed for the players and devastated that they have put all that effort in but come away from the game with nothing."

Leeds head coach Rohan Smith:

"You've got to be able to win in different ways, you have to play from behind, from front and when the scores are even. It really doesn't matter what the score is until the end.

"At 16-0 we weren't that bad and I liked the composure and calmness at half-time, no one was flustered, it was relaxed.

"The sin bin we had at the end made the back end of the game an even bigger struggle against a bigger attacking team.

"If we want the game to be 12 a side change the rules. Everyone is just yelling for it and all we are talking about is sin bins, yellow cards and high tackles. It was a good game between two good teams which almost got spoilt."

Leigh: O'Brien, Hanley, Hardaker, Leutele, Charnley, Moylan, Lam, Hughes, Dwyer, Mulhern, O'Donnell, Halton, Amone.

Interchanges: Norman, Davis, Nakubuwai, Trout.

Sin-bin: O'Brien (52).

Leeds: Miller; Roberts, Newman, Momirovski, Handley; Croft, Frawley; Oledzki, Ackers, Goudemand, McDonnell, Martin, C Smith.

Interchanges: Holroyd, O'Connor, Sangare, Ruan.

Sin-bin: Sangare (73).

Referee: Chris Kendall.

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