Graham Mackay virtually booked Leeds a play-off berth with a second-half try as the Rhinos chalked up their 13th consecutive victory.

Mackay dived into the corner five minutes from time to end the Giants' fightback after they took a shock lead in the first half to stun the visitors.

The Giants opened the scoring when a punt into the corner from Gene Ngamu was scooped up by Waisale Sovatabua and he rushed over to score.

But Leeds were soon back on level terms when Richie Black-more found his way over.

Minutes later the Rhinos took the lead through David Barn-hill. He collected the ball from Kevin Sinfield on the left to dash over unchallenged.

But the Giants were soon back in the game when Ngamu kicked a penalty to narrow the gap by two points.

Leeds, with Francis Cummins strong at full back, went further ahead when Keith Senior followed through Ryan Sheridan's short kick to score, racing past Sovatabua and Leroy Rivett.

After the break the Rhinos found themselves under the cosh. Ngamu gave the Giants hope when he converted his second penalty of the game.

Leeds suffered a further blow when they lost the services of Paul Sterling, injured in a tackle.

The Giants' fightback was almost ended midway through the second period. Blackmore and Sinfield combined on the right for Mackay to stretch over in the right-hand corner and give the Rhinos a ten-point lead.

That was extended by a Mack-ay penalty five minutes from time. But there was still time for Danny Arnold to rush into the corner for a late consolation.

Leeds coach Dean Lance said: "I must pay tribute to the Giants - they got into the game and made it hard for us.

"I don't want to take anything away from the opposition. We gave them far too much of the ball, but in return they gave us some as well."