The 30-12 final scoreline in Rhinos' favour didn't reflect the effort put in by Wildcats on a wretched night more suited to the winter start of season than its late summer end.

Despite having nothing to play for in terms of the league ladder, Wildcats were the better team in the first half, led twice and were unlucky not to be in front at the break.

They matched Rhinos for much of the second period, but Leeds' extra class told in the end and – crucially – the visitors had the individuals who could stand up and make a difference when it was needed most.

That was exemplified by the performance of back-rower Ali Lauitiiti, who scored Leeds' final two tries and was heavily involved in two others.

In the mood, Lauitiiti is one of the most thrilling players in the British competition and he took the game by the throat in the final quarter.

The scores were locked at 12-12 until the 62nd minute when Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield put up a high bomb, which bounced off Wakefield full-back Scott Grix and was gathered by Lauitiiti.

He rampaged towards the Wakefield line before offloading back to Sinfield, who crossed for the game-breaking try.

With 12 minutes left, Danny McGuire was pulled down just short and Lauitiiti ploughed over from acting-half; then – four minutes later – he crossed again after excellent build-up play involving Brent Webb and McGuire.

Earlier, Lauitiiti had made the initial break for Leeds' opening try, slipping out a superb pass to Webb, who sent the supporting Jordan Tansey between the posts.

Tansey started at hooker in place of Matt Diskin, who was rested due to an unspecified injury, as was Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai.

Former Wildcats skipper Gareth Ellis also had a big game and his crunching tackle on Jason Golden – playing his final game for Wakefield before joining Harlequins – was a turning point in the second half.

Leeds welcomed back leading try scorer Scott Donald after a two-game absence due to a rib injury and he was another key figure.

Donald scored a marvellous try to level the scores late in the first half, spotting a gap on the final tackle, kicking between the posts and winning the race to touch down.

The winger was also rock solid at the back, making several try-saving interventions as Wakefield piled on the pressure, on the back of some wonderfully inventive kicking from Jamie Rooney, Danny Brough and Brad Drew.

Rhinos' pack was boosted by the return of forwards Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Bailey and Ian Kirke, who all did well off the bench.