Leeds Rhinos have been crowned World Club champions after a 26-12 victory over Manly Sea Eagles at Headingley.
The occasion had a clear effect on the visitors as they were unable to get out of their own half, and Leeds duly took advantage on 18 minutes when Kallum Watkins cut inside to score a try. Kevin Sinfield was on target with the kick to give the Rhinos a 6-0 lead.
Manly soon found their way in the match, but came undone when Ryan Hall intercepted a pass close to his own try line before running the length of the pitch to touch down. Sinfield was again on target with his kick to double his side's lead.
The Sea Eagles got on the scoresheet soon after as Brett Stewart was on hand to touch down on 29 minutes. Jamie Lyon put his kick through the posts to halve the deficit.
However, Leeds extended their lead just before the break when Hall collected Sinfield's crossfield kick to touch down in the corner. Despite a stellar half with the boot for Sinfield, he was unable to score the extras.
Daly Cherry-Evans's try on 51 minutes set up an nervy second half for Leeds, but they rode their luck were able put the game out of their opponents' reach when Ben Jones-Bishop touched down in the corner with five minutes to play. Sinfield narrowly missed the kick by hitting the post.
Victory was sealed in the final minute when Carl Ablett's try was given after deliberation by the video referee. Sinfield was on target with his kick to make the score 26-12.
Jack Prescott
