Skipper Ryan Hinchcliffe says Huddersfield Giants lost their way after a strong start as they suffered a 20-16 defeat at Leeds Rhinos which left them adrift at the foot of Super League.

Paul Anderson’s side twice led at Headingley but were undone by a late Jimmy Keinhorst try which went to the video referee.

“It’s a tough one to take – a lot of effort for no result,” said Hinchcliffe after a fourth defeat in four for the Giants.

“We need to be a lot smarter. We made crucial errors at crucial times which cost us in the end. We have to make sure we learn from it.

“In the conditions, we knew we had to come here and play a tough game of footie. It was never going to be pretty.

“We did it in the first half and at the start of the second. But we lost our way a little bit.

“The bounce of the ball went their way with that try at the end.

“We just have to grind our way through this period. We have to keep working hard and front up again next week.”

Huddersfield, the only side in Super League yet to gain a point this season, suffered another injury setback as prop Daniel Smith limped off early on.

Hinchcliffe led the Giants despite the return from injury of Danny Brough. But Giants boss Paul Anderson explained there was nothing sinister behind the move.

“Hinchy has done a good job in Broughy’s absence and allowing him to continue as captain meant Danny could focus all his time on his own game in his first match back,” he said.