Leeds Rhinos: Two-try Briscoe buoyed by fightback win at Wakefield

Briscoe scored Leeds’ second and third touchdowns as they hit back from 10-0 behind after 11 minutes to win 18-16.

The result ended Wakefield’s seven-game winning run and strengthened Rhinos’ hold on third spot in Betfred Super League.

Briscoe has now scored three tries in two games – taking his tally for the year to six.

He reflected: “It was good to get on the scoreboard after a bit of a drought over the last couple of weeks and it was a very tough game.

“I thought the score reflected that.

“Credit to Wakefield, they dug in there and pushed us right to the end.

“They were on a roll and they were level on points with us going into that game so there was a lot of pressure.

“It was a big game that might prove crucial to where we finish come the end of the regular season so it was great to get the two points.”

Despite the result, Briscoe reckons Rhinos need to improve over the final five games of the regular season.

Fourth-placed Hull are just a point behind and Rhinos face runaway leaders Castleford Tigers in their next league match.

“There’s a bit of work on,” Briscoe admitted.

“We let in a few soft tries and they made a couple of breaks through missed tackles and things like that.

“The good thing is we are building, but it is good to get the two points while we are in that process as well.”

Briscoe accepted Rhinos’ poor opening to the game was a concern, but felt they showed strong character to fight back.

“We obviously didn’t get the best start,” he said.

“We came out slowly and full credit to Wakefield, they came out firing.

“We knew they would. They took advantage of that, but credit to us to dig in deep.

“It was a tough game and to dig in and get the victory was good for us.”

Rhinos’ next game is Friday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-final against Briscoe’s hometown club, Featherstone Rovers, at Headingley. Briscoe said: “It is a game that’s popped up a few times over the last year or so.

“Obviously I love playing against Fev, my home town, plus it’s the Challenge Cup. It’s great to be involved in that again. We can put the league to the side now and concentrate on the Challenge Cup.”

Rovers, whose side includes Briscoe’s younger brother Luke, are fourth in the Kingstone Press Championship. He warned: “They are a good team. They showed that all the way through last season, finishing in the top-four.

“They are pushing for that this season as well.

“The games we’ve played against them have been tough games. We’ve got to prepare for that and make sure we recover from what was a tough game on Saturday.”