Hankinson try and Connor conversion earn Leeds dramatic Super League win at Wakefield
Leeds Rhinos overturned a 22-6 deficit to beat Wakefield Trinity at Wakefield in the Super League on 7 August 2026 after Chris Hankinson’s late try and Jake Connor’s conversion, extending their lead at the top of the table. The comeback, completed with three minutes remaining, left Leeds four points clear at the summit and denied their nearest challengers, second-placed Wakefield, a chance to move level on points.
Wakefield looked in control for long periods in front of a sell-out crowd as Brad Arthur’s side raced into a 16-0 lead midway through the first half. Leeds had early spells of pressure but were repelled, and the hosts’ bench impact became decisive as the match progressed. Brodie Croft’s score just before half-time reduced the deficit to 16-6, keeping the Rhinos within reach heading into the second half. Trailing 22-6 with around 30 minutes remaining, Leeds faced a sizeable task to overturn the scoreline.
The scoring opened when Jack Sinfield’s kick deceived Lachie Miller and allowed Isaiah Vagana to cross, Sinfield adding the conversion to make it 6-0. Shortly afterwards Caius Faatili’s powerful break, supported by Caleb Hamlin-Uele, led to a try finished under the posts by Hamlin-Uele. Sinfield then set up Jayden Myers in the corner to stretch Wakefield’s advantage to 16-0.
Leeds reduced the margin before half-time when Croft exploited a rare Wakefield error to cut the deficit to ten, making it 16-6 at the break. The Rhinos’ response ensured they remained competitive despite the earlier dominance of the hosts and set up a tense second period.
Sinfield again troubled the visitors after the restart, cutting through the Leeds defence to re-establish a three-score lead for Trinity, with his father Sir Kevin Sinfield watching from the stands. Wakefield’s defence produced notable moments, including a try-saving tackle by Cam Scott on Alfie Edgell, but two minutes after that intervention Croft created a try for James McDonnell to pull Leeds back into the contest.
As the game entered its final stages Cam Smith scored a solo try to make it a four-point game, with the source noting he "will play for Wakefield in 2027." Leeds then had a try ruled out that looked as though it might preserve Trinity’s lead, but with three minutes remaining Connor’s perfect kick was eventually grounded by Hankinson and Connor nervelessly converted. Leeds withstood a frantic finish to secure the win.
The victory lifts Leeds four points clear at the top of the Super League and moves them a significant step closer towards top spot heading into the playoffs, while Wakefield remain their nearest challengers in second place.