Leeds Rhinos 14 Castleford Tigers 8: Sezer's late winner seals fifth spot

It’s maybe what they deserved for their effort over the second half of the campaign, but was more than they looked like getting before one of the most incredible finishes seen at Headingley in the Super League era.

With Salford Red Devils having the good sense to lose at home to Warrington Wolves, Rhinos will travel to Catalans Dragons for an elimination play-off on Friday night.

There was no score for 52 minutes, but a penalty followed by a converted try gave Tigers – who produced an incredibly spirited performance – some breathing space and Leeds ‘ goose looked cooked.

But with eight minutes left they opted to take the two from a penalty in front of the posts and three later a long-range try, which was converted, levelled the scores.

Tigers were without any specialist half-backs and Greg Eden was off-target with a drop goal attempt two minutes from time.

In the next set, Cameron Smith’s pass found Mikolaj Oledzki, he made a break with Richie Myler in support and Aidan Sezer was on hand to touch down. Rhyse Martin added the extras - a record-equalling 36th successive goal - after the hooter had sounded.

The noise from the South Stand was incredible, but it was tough on Tigers who had looked set for a famous win.

The thrilling finale was more than an error-ridden game - between two fatigued sides - deserved.

The first half was the worst seen at Headingley in living memory. It was like a very poor boxing bout between a fighter who won’t or can’t get off the ropes, against one unable to land a meaningful punch.

For the first half an hour, Tigers continually turned the ball over, frequently in their own territory - and Leeds managed to waste every opportunity, even when the visitors were a man down.

Then Cas got some forward momentum and began dropping the ball at the other end. Once they got their noses in front, though, they looked likely to hang on, particularly as some outstanding last-ditch defence kept Leeds out.

Tigers full-back Jake Mamo made a fantastic tackle to deny Ash Handley after seven minutes, forcing the ball loose behind the line.

Handley didn’t appear in the second half, forcing a switch which saw Zak Hardaker move to the wing and Rhyse Martin - no relation to Tigers’ Brad - from second-row to centre.

Brad Dwyer didn’t get on until after Tigers’ try and also picked up a knock, which was a disappointing end to his final home game at Headingley.

Rhyse Martin also got over the whitewash inside the opening 10 minutes, but referee Ben Thaler said the pass, from Oledzki, who was Leeds’ best player on the day, was forward.

Tigers went down to 12 after 14 minutes when Suaia Matagi was sin-binned for a tackle on OIedzki after the ball had gone and Liam Sutcliffe was held up over the whitewash in the resulting set. It took Tigers 20 minutes to have a play-the-ball in Leeds’ half, but Cas finished the half creating the better chances.

Mamo managed to cross eight minutes before the break, but there was an obstruction and it didn’t count. They had another opportunity soon afterwards when Eden’s improvised kick on the last was taken by Paul McShane, he passed to Brad Martin, but the ball went down.

In the final moments Mahe Fonua forced his way over, but Briscoe got under him to prevent the ball being grounded. Cas continued to create chances after the interval, with Alex Sutcliffe being held up over the line by namesake Liam.

After 52 minutes, Zane Tetevano knocked-on, again, Mahe Fonua made a break and was pulled down by Briscoe, but he was penalised and McShane took the two to finally break the deadlock

In the next set Daniel Smith’s pass found Joe Westerman and Mamo was in support to race over. McShane added the extras and in the blink of an eye they were two scores clear.

Three brilliant tackles kept Leeds at bay, McShane denying Oledzki, Hardaker losing the ball in Bureta Faraimo’s challenge when he looked set to score and Cain Robb, who was excellent off the bench, pulling Myler down.

But with seven minutes left, Tigers were penalised in front of their posts and Rhyse Martin booted the penalty, then Myler fielded a kick from McShane, Hardaker broke through the middle and Leeming touched down, setting up the memorable finale.

Leeds Rhinos: Myler, Briscoe, Hardaker, Sutcliffe, Handley, Austin, Sezer, Oledzki, Leeming, Prior, Bentley, Martin, Tetevano. Subs Dwyer, Gannon, O’Connor, C Smith.

Castleford Tigers: Mamo, Faraimo, Sutcliffe, Fonua, Olpherts, Eden, McShane, Griffin, Milner, Matagi, Lawler, Mellor, Westerman. Subs D Smith, Martin, Hall, Robb.

Referee: Ben Thaler (Wakefield).

Attendance: 15,418.