Wakefield enjoying the dizzy heights – Brough

DANNY BROUGH says being top of Super League is a "great privilege" but maintains early season pacesetters Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have no intentions of suffering from vertigo.

The flamboyant scrum-half was at his mesmeric best in plotting the downfall of Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.

The ailing champions had no answer to his creativity and game-breaking skills, Brough controlling the contest to set up Wakefield's first Super League victory over their derby rivals at Belle Vue.

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On the back of triumphs over Harlequins and Catalans, the stunning 28-18 result saw Wildcats open a two-point lead at the top even if it might only last a few days with Trinity having no game this weekend.

"It's only three wins," said Brough. "You've got to win more than 20 games to be up there at the end but to take three from the first three is great for our team and just to be up there is a great privilege.

"We have to keep progressing, though, and that is our aim."

Wakefield finished fifth last year but were tipped by many to struggle in 2010 having undergone major surgery during the off-season with more than a dozen players departing.

However, their new arrivals have gelled quickly and coach John Kear has instilled his trademark enthusiasm and character into a squad which also seemed to surprise Leeds with its tenacity and organisation in defence.

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Brough, who scored a spectacular try, created two others and booted 12 points, said: "The game plan worked. You can't give Leeds any space. We shut them down pretty well and got a few repeat sets, too.

"To beat them any time is a great win and for the club and the players this was quality.

"We dug in and everyone had a go with the crowd (just under 10,000) playing a big part as well.

"We know Leeds play until the 80th minute and they came back at us but we held on."

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Brough's 80m interception try soon after the re-start was the highlight of the success.

He pressurised Keith Senior direct from a scrum and pounced when Danny McGuire's pass was off-target, beating him and England winger Ryan Hall in a race to the line.

"I had to get up on Keith," recalled the former Hull FC man."He's been the Great Britain centre for the last 10 years and is a quality player.

"I went up to shut him down and the ball bounced clear but I had to move like a snake, weaving in and out so they didn't catch me. I could feel him (Hall) breathing down the back of my neck but I got there and it set the tone for the second half."

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Brough improved his score and did likewise after setting up Daryl Millard with a perfect kick to make it 26-6.

Wakefield squandered a 30-16 lead to lose at home to Leeds last July, Scott Donald going over with the last play of the match to sneak victory. Brough conceded recollection of that nightmare did briefly emerge when the same player struck back with two touchdowns.

"They never stop coming at us and it does all come into the back of your mind," conceded the 27-year-old. "But we stayed positive and got the two points. We had a big off-season which has helped and there's a great culture here; everyone mucks in for each other."

Kear's priority when beginning his recruitment process was to secure experienced players with a winning mentality and the likes of Terry Newton and Glenn Morrison proved crucial as Wakefield held their nerve.

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Former North Queensland Cowboys prop Shane Tronc also offered a formidable presence while stand-off Ben Jeffries – in his second spell at Belle Vue – continued his blossoming partnership with Brough.

"It's taken a lot of pressure off me," he said. "He's a kicking half-back, too, so instead of people just charging at me they're looking at him, too. It's giving me more time.

"John has brought in some quality players. Shane Tronc was massive up front but the whole side did well."

On the back of their first home victory over Leeds in 18 years, Wakefield must wait until Friday week for their return to action at St Helens.