WATCH - Leeds Rhinos 14 Wigan Warriors 23: Richard Agar assesses defeat and Kallum Watkins' move to Gold Coast Titans

Leeds Rhinos' Trent Merrin scores. (PIC: BRUCE ROLLINSON)

THIS was another painful defeat for Leeds Rhinos who must have started believing they had finally turned a corner in this faltering season.

On the back of wins over London Broncos and Wakefield Trinity, a third successive victory looked on the cards, too, when they led champions Wigan Warriors approaching the hour mark last night.

The excellent Trent Merrin had charged over between the posts in the 50th minute, from the similarly quality Brad Dwyer’s delayed pass, Tui Lolohea converting for a 14-11 lead.

Moreover, Headingley was rocking again. It was like the days of old.

Leeds had been applying pressure and it looked like they could march on from here and, with Wigan looking visibly confused, seal a crucial victory.

However, Rhinos fans now know not to take anything for granted; the visitors found another gear to hit back on the hour and put Leeds straight back to square one.

Lolohea was admirable in trying to get out from behind his own line but, in doing so, was then bundled into touch, conceding a 10m scrum rather than a drop-out.

In the next set, Liam Farrell crabbed across field until a rare gap emerged and sent Oliver Partington flying through untouched for Chirs Hankison to slot his fourth goal.

Leeds Rhinos' Harry Newman (PIC: BRUCE ROLLINSON)

Admittedly, Richard Agar’s side rallied; Ava Seumanufagai made a big contribution again and he got over the line as Leeds tried to regain the lead, only to be held up by desperate defence.

Next up, Richard Myler should have done better but his woeful chip to the corner only ended up in the stands and left Agar with his head in his hands.

It was the second time the England scrum-half had kicked directly into touch.