Huddersfield Giants have upset the play-off race applecart with a victory over Leigh Leopards.

Emerging as 30-18 winners, it was a poor Leigh effort that ended their three-match winning run, and means they have to go another week to secure their place in the top six.

Owen Trout opened the scoring early on, before Huddersfield slowly won the momentum battle, and made it count with two tries (Harry Rushton and Taane Milne) and a penalty goal before half-time.

Niall Evalds increased the lead early in the second half, before Umyla Hanley grabbed one to give his side a lifeline.

In the final 15, two scores from hooker Cole Geyer sealed the two points, leaving the travelling Leopards fans stunned at how disappointing their side had been.

Huddersfield Giants v Leigh Leopards talking points

Leigh stunned as Lam’s “grounded” message ignored:

The Leopards were rocked at the Accu, with a sub-par performance coming after weeks of incredible displays that has seen them topple Leeds, York and Bradford.

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However, Jim Lenihan’s side truly showed how far they have come, with a huge effort to defeat one of the competition’s most in-form teams.

Adrian Lam said that his side needs to stay grounded, and they can’t let the good run of form get to them, but there were signs of complacency in their efforts, with far too many loose balls, missed tackles and poor last plays.

Captain and off-contract star shines

Two of Huddersfield’s best tonight were forward pair Harry Rushton and Cole Geyer. Rushton has been hailed for his efforts in recent weeks, and again showed how is one of the best middles outside of the top six.

Geyer changed the game when he entered the fray on 50 minutes, scoring two crucial tries that ultimately won his side the game. He remains without a contract for 2027, and whilst Super League clubs are circling, plenty of sides would be picking up a solid recruit if they wish to get a deal done.

Senior’s night to forget: 

On the flip side to Geyer and Rushton, Leigh winger Innes Senior had a poor day at the office, with his poor composure under the high ball costing his side a try. No Leopards player played particularly well, with almost all having off days, but the winger especially stood out, mainly for his error for Milne’s try.

Giants’ double blow: 

Huddersfield lost Sam Hewitt early into the game, after a collision with the hip of Gareth O’Brien left him worse for wear. He didn’t return, and will miss next week’s trip to Hull KR as a result.

Huddersfield suffered an even bigger blow later in the game, with George Flanagan needing help off the field with a lower limb injury.

Milestone men:

A number of players celebrated some key appearance numbers this evening, with Leigh having a trio of players all hitting a big number.

Full-back Gareth O’Brien featured in his 350th career game. The 34-year-old began his journey with Warrington in 2011, and has featured for a total of nine clubs, but Leigh is the side he has featured for most, with tonight being his 97th outing in leopard print.

Senior, despite his poor effort,  played Super League game 150, and his 25th for the Leopards. Over a third of his games, 53, came for tonight’s opponents, Huddersfield, playing for the club across two stints.

Lastly for Leigh, Umlya Hanley made his 100th career appearance, and 74th for Leigh. Hanley played 11 times for Wigan Warriors, 10 times for Newcastle Thunder and five times for Rochdale.

Huddersfield had their own man to celebrate, with Taane Milne hitting 150 career appearances.