Wigan Warriors were flattered by their four-point margin of defeat in a tense final eliminator at an enthralled Headingley Carnegie.

Rhinos were on top for most of the game and dominated the third quarter, but – inspired by some incredible defensive heroics from ex-Leeds winger Mark Calderwood – Wigan hung in and for a long time it looked like it might be their night as the hosts saw chance after chance go begging.

Leeds weren't at their best, but they created a host of opportunities, defended strongly and showed great character when things failed to go their way after the break.

Rhinos were denied by video referee Ian Smith three times and also had every right to feel aggrieved at the performance of referee Steve Ganson.

Two of Smith's decisions were clear cut, but the third was a travesty. After 20 minutes of solid pressure following half-time, Leeds looked to have made the breakthrough when Jamie Peacock powered over.

It looked a try at normal speed, but Smith took a few seconds over five minutes – a new world record – to decide the England skipper had been held up, in Liam Colbon's tackle.

Surely, after that length of time, the attacking team should have been given the benefit of the doubt? Peacock – who played 73 of the 80 minutes – would have deserved his touchdown, for a typically tireless, strong-running, never-say-die performance.

To add to Rhinos' discontent, there was as much doubt when Wigan's Iafeta Paleaaesina stretched over late on, but Smith gave the green light in less than half the time.

Leeds had most of the ball in the second half, but still found themselves on the wrong end of a 7-2 penalty count.

Ganson allowed Wigan to lie on and interfere throughout the third quarter, then began penalising Leeds for similar offences once they had gone 10 points clear.