Leeds Rhinos claimed their first Wheelchair Premier League title for the reason that 2021 Treble-winning season on Sunday, preventing again from 12 factors down late within the first half to safe a spot for Khalifa who misplaced the Grand Remaining two years in the past. The Black Panthers take revenge.
It was the primary of two consecutive grand remaining defeats for the Rhinos, who have been overwhelmed by Wigan Warriors final season, so it got here after they scored six tries within the second half on the College of Hull’s Allam Sports activities Centre. An thrilling scene.
Leeds United’s England World Cup treble-winning pair stood out with two tries every from Tom Halliwell and Nathan Collins, and a hat-trick from Josh Butler, who was awarded the Metal Wheels Out of the Season award this week Particular person Award.
Collins additionally scored eight objectives on 9 photographs and scored 24 factors. He was additionally awarded the Participant of the Sport award by the Sky Sports activities commentary staff for his many great passing performances.
“Within the second half, Nathan and Josh actually got here into their very own,” Rhinos coach and former England worldwide James Simpson MBE mentioned.
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Rob Hawkins scores brilliantly to increase Halifax Panthers’ lead over Leeds Rhinos in Wheelchair Premier League grand remaining
“Possibly we ready an excessive amount of for the finals final yr. This yr we’re extra relaxed – that is our tenth trophy for the reason that launch of the Wheelchair Tremendous League in 2019.”
Leeds United captain and Wales worldwide Judy Boyd-Ward has additionally had a attempt, as has Halifax trainer Nathan Mulhall, who joined the Rhinos from his hometown membership two years in the past.
“It means lots to be the captain of this staff,” Boyd Ward mentioned. “I knew we have been down at halftime, however I all the time believed we have been going to get by means of it.”
Collins opened the scoring within the match however the Panthers fought again, with captain Wayne Boardman organising Joseph Calcott and Rob Hawkins. Hawkins accomplished his second of three conversions to make it 22-10 when France worldwide Jeremy Bourson struck a superb long-range shot from the left wing.
However Collins’ second aim diminished the Rhinos’ half-time deficit to 6 factors they usually have been again in entrance inside 10 minutes of the restart – though Halifax went on to attain a hat-trick with Hawkins, who finally Ended the sport with 18 factors.
Sheffield Eagles received the Championship remaining in dramatic trend, beating Gravesend Dynamites 38-36 in further time within the first recreation of the double-header on the College of Hull’s Allham Stadium.
It was lately confirmed that the elite competitors will broaden from 5 to eight groups from 2025, with the Eagles anticipated to use for a spot within the Betfred Wheelchair Premier League subsequent season.
