Lauitiiti's late brace secured victory but Wigan still topped the table

Leeds were forced to settle for second place in the final Super League table despite a battling win at Wakefield.

Leeds took the lead through Jordan Tansey before two Scott Grix tries put Wakefield 12-6 ahead.

Scott Donald brought the Rhinos level at the interval and the game was locked at 12-12 for most of the second half.

A Kevin Sinfield try broke the deadlock and a late Ali Lauitiiti double made the win safe but St Helens had done enough to top the Super League table.

Wakefield coach John Kear:
"I am disappointed with the result but I am very proud of the effort and some of the execution.

"We played really well tonight but it is just unfortunate we have come up against a Leeds team that has been hitting a seam of form. They looked like a Grand Final team.

"I look back with great satisfaction. We have been in contention for the top six after an excellent first two-thirds and we got to the semi-final of the Challenge Cup.

"If people had said we would do that prior to the season we would have been very happy."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan:
"It was a tough game, it really was. Wakefield came out with great enthusiasm and their kicking game was as good as any team I have seen kick the ball.

"They really tested us. It was a good hit-out for us because we really had to go to the wire, so I'm really pleased."

McClennan on table toppers St Helens:
"Their form has been outstanding, they have been very consistent.

"We jumped out of the blocks well, and we are glad we did because represented Super League and won the World Club Challenge.

"But when we dipped, they kicked into gear. Well done to Saints and we look forward to going to Knowsley Road and playing them in the semi-final."

Wakefield: Grix, Blanch, Martin, Atkins, Petersen, Rooney, Brough, Watene, Drew, Bibey, MacGillivray, Golden, Demetriou.
Replacements: Sculthorpe, Wilkes, Leo-Latu, Henderson.

Leeds: Webb, Smith, Ablett, Senior, Donald, McGuire, Burrow, Scruton, Tansey, Peacock, Lauitiiti, Ellis, Sinfield.
Replacements: Jones-Buchanan, Burgess, Bailey, Kirke.

Referee: S Ganson (St Helens)

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