Leeds Rhinos 22 Warrington Wolves 33: Poor Rhinos get exactly what they deserve

Rhinos were poor for all but a 15-minute spell after half-time when they went from 11-4 behind to 22-11 ahead.

That lead should have been enough, but Leeds went to pieces in the final quarter and anything other than a Wolves win would have been an injustice.

Rhinos were a shambles for the most of the first half and the last 20. They were lucky to be only seven points adrift at the break.

Warrington were better-organised, faster and more enthusiastic, dominated for 35 minutes and could have had at least a couple more touchdowns.

Rhinos began running with some venom after the interval, Richie Myler got into the game, linking with Matt Parcell and Leeds looked a different team.

They were in front within 15 minutes of the resumption and 11 ahead on the hour, but then it all went wrong again as Warrington - inspired by Stefan Ratchford and Harvey Livett - hit back to lead 27-22 inside the last seven and they sealed it with their fifth try on the final play.

Leeds’ performances have dipped as their side has got stronger. Only three of last night’s side aren’t in the top-20 squad, so there were no excuses.

There was a surprising selection in the only change to the team which started the win at Hull KR five days earlier.

Parcell, who had been clearly upset when he was substituted at KCOM Craven Park, dropped to the bench and back-rower Brett Ferres came in at hooker.

Leeds mixed things up at dummy-half with full-back Ashton Golding slotting in there for the most part, but various others had a go, four of them in the same set at one stage. Whatever the reason for Parcell being benched, he was brought on after only 12 minutes.

Nathaniel Peteru was among the substitutes for his second Rhinos appearance and first since suffering a torn biceps in the round one win at Warrington.

Josh Walters also returned on the bench, in place of Brett Delaney, whose shoulder injury is not as serious as initially feared and could be in contention for next Friday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie at Widnes Vikings.

Mikolaj Oledzki dropped out and was due to play for Featherstone Rovers at Toulouse Olympique today, along with clubmates Jordan Lilley and Harry Newman.

Jack Walker, who has not played in the first team since suffering an ankle injury on Good Friday, made his comeback for the under-19s in Thursday’s win over Warrington.

Brad Dwyer, who suffered a fractured elbow during the Easter period, was named in the initial 19, but did not make the side. Liam Sutcliffe and Mitch Garbutt remain on the casualty list.

Warrington led after eight minutes. Livett collected Myler’s kick behind his own line and managed to get back into play.

At the end of the set he kicked ahead, the ball took a rebound, was hacked on again by Livett and then Kevin Brown, who ran through to touch down.

Video referee Phil Bentham confirmed the try and Bryson Goodwin added the extras.