WATCH - Wakefield Trinity 26 Leeds Rhinos 28: Captain Watkins steers Rhinos to derby victory

It was Trinity’s fifth successive defeat, but for much of the game they looked on course to break their losing streak.

Wakefield led 12-6 at half-time and when they went eight points ahead with 25 minutes left the game was theirs to lose.

Ryan Hampshire had started at scrum-half for Trinity, in place of Liam Finn who has a broken finger, and kicked four goals from as many attempts, at that stage, in an impressive display. Leeds were also without a first-choice half-back, Joel Moon having been ruled out due to illness and had coped less well. Liam Sutcliffe returned after five games out due to a foot injury, but struggled to make an impact and was replaced when Rhinos went eight points behind.

Carl Ablett took more of a playmaking role and he was influential as Rhinos turned the game on its head.

Watkins also made a big contribution, scoring his second try of the game and Brad Dwyer gave Leeds some momentum when he came off the bench.

The visitors went 28-20 up with three minutes left, thanks to a second touchdown in as many games from the impressive Josh Walters, but Trinity pulled a converted try back and threatened to snatch it in the final seconds.

Trinity deservedly led 12-6 at the break, despite Leeds having scored first.

Their pacy outside-backs had Leeds backpedalling and Rhinos struggled to cope with the hosts’ offloads.

Leeds also looked vulnerable close to the line, conceding twice from a few metres out. On attack they made several errors in good field position and struggled to go forward against a resolute defence.

Trinity’s half-time advantage wasn’t a shock. In recent games they have made a habit of starting well and fading after the break, whereas Leeds have tended to go behind early on and then claw their way back.

It was the same story this time, but the positive for Trinity is they haven’t been far away in any of their defeats and they have enough quality to turn things around. All they need is the next win.

Trinity produced a lovely handling move in the opening five minutes, Max Jowitt and Hampshire cutting through before Ashurst flicked a pass to Tyler Randell, who could not hold on.

That was a warning for Leeds and they had another when Richie Myler chipped to Leeds’ right, but Tom Johnstone made a terrific catch, broke clear and supplied Bill Tupou, who in turn passed on to Jacob Miller, but Leeds managed to scramble back to snuff out the danger.

A strong run by Ryan Hall set up Rhinos’ first real attack. They forced a drop out and on the final tackle from that Myler grubbered between the posts and Watkins touched down at full-stretch before tagging on the conversion, after 16 minutes.

He kicked four goals from five attempts, three off the touchline and Trinity’s defence struggled to cope when he ran with the ball.