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Jake Connor silences critics in champion display as Leeds’ unsung hero shines AGAIN Leeds Rhinos star Brodie Croft. Leeds Rhinos took a significant step towards top spot going into the Super League play-offs with a dramatic comeback against Wakefield Trinity on a seismic night for both West Yorkshire clubs. The Rhinos trailed 22-6 with half an hour remaining and Trinity looked set to go joint-top of the league – before three tries without reply, coupled with three Jake Connor goals, gave Leeds a narrow 24-22 win. Here are our big takeaways from the DIY Kitchens Stadium.. Jake Connor in a big game, again The critics of Leeds Rhinos’ talismanic scrum-half may well have to take it on the chin – as Jake Connor has done it in a big game again. The criticism of Connor has been how he cannot deliver when the stakes are at their highest. But when Leeds needed him most here, Connor delivered an imperious display. The debate about whether he will play for England this autumn will rage on and on. But surely those who have suggested he can’t play when the chips are down have to admit.. they might be wrong? Leeds’ unsung hero is unmissable now The bittersweet moment for Wakefield fans is while they came up short here, they will have at least been able to have a slither of excitement about the performance of a man who will be wearing red, white and blue next season. Cameron Smith has been Leeds’ unsung hero for a good while now, with a string of displays that have been not going unnoticed by the Rhinos’ coaching staff and those who watch the game every week. But he was outstanding here, arguably not far off being their best, with a blockbuster individual performance that helped turn things the Rhinos’ way when it mattered. He’s a Leeds player for the next eight weeks – but what a pick-up he’ll be for Trinity in 2027. Wakefield still have one step to take This will have been another crushing night for Wakefield. It was reminiscent of them pushing Wigan Warriors all the way in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, only to come unstuck by just four points. They delivered another brilliant performance, and showed the world why they are a club that commands immense respect both on and off the field. But perhaps there is still one small step to take – closing out those big games when they are firmly in the balance.