Behind at the break, the Rhinos produced a tremendous fightback thanks to the outstanding Ali Lauitiiti. Scott Donald's magnificent try capped the display as the Rhinos went back level with St Helens at the summit.

"The first half was very hot but when the sun went down it notably cooled. We took JP (Jamie Peacock) and Kylie (Leuluai) off early because we felt the game would be won in the fourth quarter," said McClennan. "Fortunately the team showed dogged determination and this is a very, very important win although there is a long way to go in this competition."

McClennan's opposite number Mick Potter felt his side had held on well despite a first defeat since early March at home.

"The guys are tired and I'm very proud of them - we were just on the wrong end of the scoreboard," said Potter.

"We played for 60 minutes without a winger after Dimitri Pelo went off and we had a second-rower covering out there.

"We were vulnerable on the edges and against a side like that, they found us out."