**Leeds 14-16 St Helens: A ‘Wide to West’ Moment for the Ages**
In a stunning turn of events, St Helens have snatched victory out of nowhere to win this eliminator 16-14 against Leeds. This thrilling result sets up a semi-final clash against Hull KR next week. Leeds were just seconds away from securing their first home win over St Helens since 2017.
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**James Deighton, BBC Radio Leeds:**
“I cannot believe what I’ve seen. The Western Terrace has gone wild and the Rhinos fans are left open-mouthed. Shane Wright has scored the try and Leeds Rhinos’ Grand Final hopes are dashed after the hooter.”
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**TRY: Leeds 14-16 St Helens – Shane Wright**
What a moment! Leeds conceded a penalty for offside on halfway. Jonny Lomax’s kick on the hooter allowed St Helens to regain a set of six. They kept the set alive using what can only be described as some sort of magic. Working the ball right, Harry Robertson just missed the line, so they shifted left, where Shane Wright touched down. Jon Bennison missed the conversion, but somehow, Saints have won!
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**Leeds 14-12 St Helens – A Nail-Biting Finish**
Harry Robertson’s knock on sparked a huge roar around Headingley. Though St Helens were within two points, errors like this are costly with just over three minutes remaining.
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**TRY: Leeds 14-12 St Helens – Jon Bennison**
Jon Bennison showcased remarkable skill, channeling his inner Stretch Armstrong, twisting and turning with arms outstretched to ground the ball right on the line. Despite loud booing, Bennison converted his own try, bringing Saints to within two points. This set the stage for a dramatic finale after a relatively flat second half.
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**TRY REVIEW Leeds 14-6 St Helens**
St Helens thought they had scored when Jon Bennison grounded the ball on the line. However, the try was disallowed on the field pending review for a possible double movement.
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**Robbie Hunter-Paul, Former New Zealand International, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra**
“We’re entering the desperation stages for St Helens now. They have eight points to make up, and they need to start seizing any opportunities they get.”
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**Leeds 14-6 St Helens**
Leeds’ Kallum Watkins knocked on—one of many knock-ons in this intense eliminator. With just over 10 minutes remaining, Leeds remained in control. St Helens needed something magical to turn the game around.
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**Tensions Rise – Curtis Sironen and James McDonnell Clash**
St Helens’ Curtis Sironen and James McDonnell were involved in a heated exchange, with some off-the-ball incidents. Replays showed Sironen putting a hand in McDonnell’s face while McDonnell responded with an elbow. The referee intervened, calling both captains over to calm the game down.
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**Alan Hunte, Ex-Great Britain Winger, BBC Radio Merseyside**
“Although an eight-point margin isn’t massive, the effectiveness of the Saints’ attack makes it feel bigger. They have struggled to break through this Leeds defence, which has been aggressive, well-structured, and resilient even when scrambling with last-ditch tackles.”
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**Post-Match Thoughts**
To be honest, Hull KR boss Willie Peters might not be too concerned about facing either Leeds or St Helens next week. Aside from James McDonnell’s try, the game lacked quality.
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**PENALTY: Leeds 14-6 St Helens – Jake Connor**
Leeds opted to take the two points, and Jake Connor calmly slotted the penalty right in front of the posts. This put Leeds in a strong position, but with around 15 minutes left, St Helens still had time to score twice. Based on what we have seen, it remained uncertain whether they could pull it off.
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What a game! St Helens’ last-gasp victory will be remembered as one of those unforgettable moments in rugby league history.
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