A review of Sunday's Super 8s action.
Widnes Vikings 6-16 Leeds Rhinos
Incoming Leeds coach David Furner can feel more confident of taking over a Super League side after the Rhinos gave their survival hopes a huge lift with a 16-6 win over seemingly-doomed Widnes.
It was just the tonic Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield (pictured, above) needed after their 38-36 home defeat to Hull KR last week, but it was far from a stellar performance from the Yorkshireman who had to dig deep for the win.
They were second best for large periods of the encounter and it was only when Australian hooker Matt Parcell crossed on 55 minutes that the Rhinos could breath a sigh of relief as Widnes tested them in every department.
Despite their troubled season, Leeds announced Furner as their new boss on Saturday and he can surely now make plans for a crack at the big league in 2019.
Hull KR 38-24 Halifax
Craig Hall scored four first-half tries as Hull KR beat Halifax 38-24 for their third win from four games in the Qualifiers to take another step closer towards Super League safety.
The 30-year-old winger was signed from Leigh in July and his finishing masterclass against Championship part-timers Halifax gave him an impressive tally of 11 tries in five games for Tim Sheens' men.
Richard Marshall's visitors, captained by legendary former Rovers stand-off Scott Murrell, proved spirited opponents and claimed second-half scores through James Saltonstall (two), Dan Fleming and Will Sharp but they slipped to a fourth straight defeat.
Meanwhile, London Broncos beat Toulouse 34-8 at the Trailfinders Sports Ground.