Second rower Jamahl Lolesi scored a brilliant hat-trick to keep Huddersfield Giants’ play-off hopes alive in a 26-22 win over Bradford Bulls.

Australian Lolesi had already put the Giants in charge with touchdowns either side of the break when the game erupted midway through the second-half, leading to both teams having a man sent off.

Bulls star Tame Tupou got a red card on 63 minutes for punching Huddersfield's Stuart Jones in the face.

Referee Ashley Klein then sent off Giants prop Keith Mason just three minutes later after he responded to a high tackle on him by Bradford's Glenn Morrison by striking the Bulls stand off.
 
That incident prompted a massive brawl in which Bradford's David Solomona tried to act as peacemaker as both sets of players went for each other.

Huddersfield were already 20-16 ahead before then and Lolesi sealed the points for the hosts with a brilliant solo touchdown on 70 minutes before players from both sides were scrapping again, this time referee Klein splitting them apart.

Bradford attacked at will in the closing stages, prompted by Solomona's tireless running, but superb defensive tackles near the try line, especially from Brad Drew, kept the visitors out.

There was nearly a controversial sting in the tail as Bradford came mightily close to making a remarkable comeback during the several minutes of stoppage time added on for all the play lost to the fighting.

Bradford's Chris McKenna went over for a converted touchdown two minutes into overtime and referee Klein then nearly gifted the Bulls a stunning victory by apparently failing to hear the hooter when it eventually sounded.

Play continued with Klein apparently oblivious to the fact that the hooter had gone - with Bradford taking full advantage to go over for a winning try.

But Klein was made aware of his mistake by the touch judges and the try was disallowed with the game ending 26-22 to Huddersfield.